
You can continue your BCBS health insurance coverage through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) if you lose your job or experience a reduction in work hours.
COBRA allows you to temporarily keep your current health insurance coverage for up to 18 months. This can be a lifesaver if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are currently undergoing treatment.
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What Is Cobra?
COBRA is a law that allows you to keep your current health benefits after you lose access to your employer-sponsored plan, usually due to a layoff or reduction in hours.
This usually happens when you're no longer qualified for employer-sponsored coverage, and you'll need to find a new health insurance plan.
COBRA premiums are higher than employer-sponsored plans, but many families enroll in the program to maintain their existing levels of coverage.
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Definition of Cobra
COBRA is a government program that allows you to keep your current health benefits after you lose access to your employer-sponsored plan, typically due to a layoff or reduction in hours. This usually happens when your employer-sponsored coverage ends, and you're no longer qualified for it.

You may be eligible for COBRA if you lost your job for any reason other than gross misconduct, had a reduction in hours that led to a loss of benefits, are transitioning between jobs, lost coverage through a partner's death, are getting a divorce, or have another qualifying life event.
COBRA allows you to receive benefits from your current healthcare plan for a period of time, typically 18 or more months, but you must continue to pay premiums to maintain your coverage.
Cal-COBRA vs Cobra
Cal-COBRA is an extension of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) that provides temporary health insurance coverage for Californians who have lost their job or are otherwise eligible.
It's only available in California, which is a key difference from the federal COBRA program that's available nationwide.
The eligibility requirements for Cal-COBRA are similar to those for COBRA, but the application process and costs may vary.
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You can apply for Cal-COBRA through your former employer or their insurance provider, usually within 60 days of losing your job or experiencing a qualifying life event.
The cost of Cal-COBRA is typically 102% of the premium for the plan you were enrolled in before losing your job, which can be a significant expense.
The length of time you can stay on Cal-COBRA is usually up to 36 months, depending on your individual circumstances and the plan you're enrolled in.
Continuation of Health Coverage
If you've recently lost your job or experienced a reduction in hours, you may be eligible for COBRA, a program that allows you to continue your employer-sponsored health coverage for a limited time.
COBRA generally requires that group health plans sponsored by employers with 20 or more employees in the prior year offer employees and their families the opportunity for a temporary extension of health coverage in certain instances where coverage under the plan would otherwise end.

To be eligible for COBRA, you typically need to have lost your job for any reason other than gross misconduct, or experienced a reduction in hours that led to a loss of benefits.
You'll usually receive a notice in the mail about continuing coverage with COBRA, but if you don't, contact your former employer.
You normally have 60 days to sign up for COBRA without any lapse in your coverage, starting from the date you lose coverage or the date you receive the COBRA election notice, whichever is later.
However, due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the COBRA enrollment period has been extended for individuals who lost their coverage on or after March 1, 2020.
Here are some scenarios where you may be eligible for COBRA:
- Lost your job for any reason other than gross misconduct
- Had a reduction in hours that led to a loss of benefits
- Are transitioning between jobs
- Lost coverage through a partner’s death
- Are getting a divorce
- Have another qualifying life event
Administration
BCBSWY uses Lifetime Benefit Solutions (LBS) to support COBRA administrative services for our clients.
LBS provides convenient online access for billing, enrollment, and online payment through their Member Web Portal.
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Enrollment Process

The enrollment process for students is relatively straightforward. You'll need to submit your application by the deadline, which is usually the first week of August.
To apply, you'll need to provide transcripts from your previous school, as well as letters of recommendation from teachers or counselors. These documents should be submitted electronically or by mail.
The admissions committee reviews all applications carefully, taking into account factors such as academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal statement. They aim to make a decision within two weeks of receiving your application.
Once you're accepted, you'll need to complete the enrollment process by submitting a tuition payment and any required paperwork. This typically needs to be done by the end of August.
As a new student, you'll also need to attend an orientation session, usually held in late August. This is a great opportunity to meet with faculty and staff, get a tour of the campus, and ask any questions you may have.
The enrollment process is usually completed by the end of August, and classes typically begin on the first day of September.
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Premium Payment
Premium Payment is a crucial aspect of administration, and it's essential to understand how it works.
For a business to be considered legitimate, it must have a clear and transparent payment system in place. This includes accepting premium payments from clients.
Premium payments can be made online, by phone, or in person, depending on the client's preference. This flexibility is a key selling point for many businesses.
A payment processing fee is typically charged by the payment processor, which can range from 2.9% to 5.9% of the transaction amount, plus a fixed fee of $0.30 per transaction. This fee is usually waived for certain payment methods.
Businesses must also comply with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, which require them to verify the identity of clients making premium payments. This involves collecting identification documents and conducting due diligence checks.
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Health Insurance Options
If you're losing your health benefits through COBRA, there are other options available to you. COBRA generally requires that group health plans sponsored by employers with 20 or more employees in the prior year offer employees and their families the opportunity for a temporary extension of health coverage.

You can choose to continue your group health benefits under COBRA, but be aware that you'll be required to pay the entire premium for coverage up to 102% of the cost to the plan. This can be a significant expense, but it may be worth it to maintain your current coverage.
If COBRA is no longer an option, you can explore other health insurance options, including Health Insurance Marketplace Plans, Medicaid, and Medicare. These programs offer a range of plans and coverage options to suit different needs and budgets.
Here are some key details about each option:
- Health Insurance Marketplace Plans: These plans are offered through the Health Insurance Marketplace, established by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). You can shop for plans during the annual Open Enrollment Period, or during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) triggered by a qualifying life event.
- Medicaid: Medicaid is a state-funded program that provides health coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families. Eligibility criteria vary by state, but if you meet the income and other requirements, Medicaid could be the right option.
- Medicare: If you're 65 years of age or older, you may be eligible for Medicare, a federal health insurance program. Medicare consists of different parts that cover hospital insurance (Part A), medical insurance (Part B), and prescription drug coverage (Part D).
Continuation Options
If you lose your job or experience a qualifying life event, you may be eligible for continuation coverage through COBRA or Cal-COBRA. You can continue to have coverage with COBRA or Cal-COBRA for a period of time, typically 18 or more months, if you pay the premiums.
You may be eligible for COBRA or Cal-COBRA if you lost your job for any reason other than gross misconduct, had a reduction in hours that led to a loss of benefits, or experienced another qualifying life event. A notice will be sent to you in the mail about continuing coverage with COBRA or Cal-COBRA.

You have 60 days to sign up for COBRA or Cal-COBRA without any lapse in your coverage, starting from the date you lose coverage or the date you receive the COBRA election notice, whichever is later. However, due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the enrollment period has been extended for some individuals.
Here are some specific scenarios where you may be eligible for COBRA or Cal-COBRA:
- Lost your job for any reason other than gross misconduct
- Had a reduction in hours that led to a loss of benefits
- Are transitioning between jobs
- Lost coverage through a partner’s death
- Are getting a divorce
- Have another qualifying life event
If you took advantage of the American Rescue Plan COBRA Subsidy that expired on September 30, 2021, you may want to explore a new special enrollment period through Covered California.
Comparison of Plans
Let's break down the different health insurance plans to help you make an informed decision.
The Bronze plan has a lower premium, but it requires you to pay more out-of-pocket for medical expenses, with a deductible of $6,000.
With the Silver plan, you'll pay a moderate premium and have a deductible of $3,000, making it a more balanced option.
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The Gold plan offers a higher premium, but it covers a larger portion of medical expenses, with a deductible of $1,500.
The Platinum plan has the highest premium, but it also covers the most medical expenses, with a deductible of $1,000.
In general, the more comprehensive the plan, the higher the premium.
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How Long Does It Last?
COBRA coverage lasts 18 or 36 months, depending on the qualifying event.
If you've lost your job or had a reduction in hours, your COBRA coverage can last up to 18 months from the date of the event.
If you've become eligible for Medicare within 18 months of the qualifying event, your spouse and dependents can be covered by COBRA for up to 36 months from the date they became Medicare eligible.
COBRA coverage can last up to 36 months from the date of the event if your eligibility was triggered by a different type of qualifying event, like divorce.
Continue Cal-COBRA Coverage

If you lost your employer-sponsored coverage, you may be eligible for Cal-COBRA, a government program that allows you to receive benefits from your current healthcare plan for a period of time. This is typically 18 or more months.
You can continue to have coverage with Cal-COBRA if you experienced a qualifying life event, such as losing your job for any reason other than gross misconduct, having a reduction in hours that led to a loss of benefits, or transitioning between jobs.
You should get a notice in the mail about continuing coverage with Cal-COBRA, but if you don't, contact your former employer. If the company no longer exists or doesn't offer healthcare coverage, Cal-COBRA may not be an option.
Normally, you have 60 days to sign up for Cal-COBRA without any lapse in your coverage, which begins the date you lose coverage or the date you receive the Cal-COBRA election notice, whichever is later.
You might be eligible for Cal-COBRA if you lost your coverage on or after March 1, 2020, and may have additional time to enroll due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does COBRA typically cost per month?
COBRA insurance premiums typically range from $400 to $700 per month for an individual. This cost can vary depending on your specific situation and insurance needs.
How do I access my COBRA account?
To access your COBRA account, enter your username and click Next, then enter your password and click Sign In. This will securely log you into your account.
Sources
- https://www.cobrainsurance.com/kb/cobra-carriers/where-do-i-start-with-blue-cross-cobra/
- https://www.bcbswy.com/employers/frequently-asked-questions/
- https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/health-plans/cobra
- https://www.blueshieldca.com/en/home/help-and-support/job-loss/cobra
- https://www.anthem.com/individual-and-family/insurance-basics/health-insurance/health-insurance-options-after-cobra
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