What to do if you don't receive COBRA paperwork?
Asked by: Regan VonRueden | Last update: February 23, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (53 votes)
What if my employer never sent COBRA paperwork?
What If I Did Not Receive a COBRA Election Letter? We recommend working with the employer's human resources department. Call and ask them to resend the health insurance continuation election form. They may refer you to their third-party administrator.
How long do you have to send a COBRA notice after termination?
When the qualifying event occurs, for example when the employee is terminated or quits, the employer must notify the COBRA administrator within 14 days, and the administrator then has 30 days to notify the worker of their eligibility.
How do I get a COBRA termination letter?
When it's time to stop or cancel your coverage, you would need to make a request from the plan administrator to receive a letter of notice of COBRA termination. Typically, the COBRA Administrator is in the HR department or is a third-party administrator.
Do COBRA letters need to be sent certified?
Employers should send notices by first-class mail, obtain a certificate of mailing from the post office, and keep a log of letters sent. Certified mailing should be avoided, as a returned receipt with no delivery acceptance signature proves the participant did not receive the required notice.
My Employer Did Not Give Me My COBRA Continuation Health Coverage - What Do I Do?
Who is responsible for sending a COBRA notice?
COBRA Election Notice and Election Form. The HR office is required to provide an election notice and election form to covered employees and their qualified beneficiaries within 14 calendar days of a COBRA qualifying event or when the HR office is notified, whichever comes first.
When should I receive my COBRA letter?
Your employer must mail you the COBRA information and forms within 14 days after receiving notification of the qualifying event. You are responsible for making sure your COBRA coverage goes into and stays in effect - if you do not ask for COBRA coverage before the deadline, you may lose your right to COBRA coverage.
Can initial COBRA notice be emailed?
A notice sent to the spouse is treated as a notification to all qualified dependent children residing with the spouse at the time the spouse's notification is sent by the plan administrator. Notices must be provided in person or by first class mail.
How do I get COBRA after I quit my job?
You have 60 days from a “qualifying event” or the date your notice is mailed (whichever is later) to enroll in COBRA. A qualifying life event can be a job loss, divorce or death of your spouse, among others. Your former employer will send you details about how to sign up.
How to write a proof of loss of coverage letter from employer?
Letter from your previous employer - This letter must be on company letterhead or stationery with the employer's signature. It must indicate your name, the names of any dependents that were covered under the prior plan and the date the previous health coverage ended.
How do I find my COBRA information?
You should get a notice in the mail about your COBRA and Cal-COBRA rights. You have 60 days after being notified to sign up. If you are eligible for Federal COBRA and did not get a notice, contact your employer. If you are eligible for Cal-COBRA and did not get a notice, contact your health plan.
What is the penalty for late COBRA notice?
The employer penalties for not complying with the COBRA:
The IRS can charge you $100 tax per day of noncompliance per person or $200 tax per day per family.
How do I contact COBRA?
Call 1-866-444-3272. You may qualify to keep your health coverage with COBRA. Call today.
What to do if I lost my COBRA paperwork?
If you are missing your COBRA enrollment paperwork, there are several steps you can take to obtain a new copy. First, you should contact your former employer's human resources department to request a new copy of the paperwork. They may be able to send it to you electronically or by mail.
Can I sue my employer for not offering COBRA?
In certain cases, yes, you can sue your employer for not offering COBRA. Employers are obligated to inform eligible employees about the availability of insurance coverage under COBRA and the requirement for employees to pay the full premium.
Why hasn't my COBRA kicked in?
You may be facing a lag time between your payment and the administrator paying the insurance carrier who provides your continuation of group health coverage. To contact your plan administrator, follow the instructions on the original paperwork you were sent about starting COBRA.
What is the COBRA loophole?
If you decide to enroll in COBRA health insurance, your coverage will be retroactive, meaning it will apply to any medical bills incurred during the 60-day decision period. This loophole can save you money by avoiding premium payments unless you actually need care during this time.
How long after termination can you apply for COBRA?
You have 60 days to enroll in COBRA once your employer-sponsored benefits end. Even if your enrollment is delayed, you will be covered by COBRA starting the day your prior coverage ended.
How much does COBRA typically cost per month?
COBRA coverage is not cheap.
A COBRA premium can cost on average $400 to $700 a month per person.
Who is responsible for sending COBRA notice?
Under COBRA, group health plans must provide you and your family with specific notices explaining your COBRA rights. Plans must also have procedures for how COBRA continuation coverage is offered, how qualified beneficiaries may elect continuation coverage, and when it can be terminated.
How do I enroll in COBRA through my employer?
The employer that provided the health insurance will send you a COBRA election notice within 45 days of the qualifying event. This notice will give you your monthly COBRA premium and how to apply. Enrollment in COBRA. You have a 60-day special enrollment period to sign up.
How long does an employer have to send a COBRA notice to an employee?
Group health plans must provide covered employees and their families with certain notices explaining their COBRA rights. Your COBRA rights must be described in the plan's Summary Plan Description (SPD), which you should receive within 90 days after you first become a participant in the plan.
How long does it take to get approved for COBRA?
45 Days. After the qualifying event that would end your group health insurance, your employer is required to notify the health plan within 30 days. Then, the plan must provide COBRA coverage paperwork to you within 14 days for you to elect continuation or formerly waive your rights.
Can COBRA notices be sent electronically?
However, because COBRA notices must be provided via first-class mail to the home address where a spouse or dependent is also covered under the plan, the plan administrator must obtain consent from the spouse or dependent before delivering COBRA notices electronically.
Do I get COBRA if I quit?
Yes, You Can Get COBRA Insurance After You Quit Your Job
COBRA allows you to keep your employer-sponsored health insurance for up to 18 months if your coverage ends due to job loss, quitting or termination.