COBRA stands for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. It is a federal law in the United States that allows you to temporarily keep your employer-sponsored health insurance if you lose your job or experience certain other qualifying life events.
You can keep the same benefits you had before, and COBRA usually lasts 18 months (sometimes longer depending on the life event). Your coverage starts the first of the month after your termination, so there’s no gap.
You’ll get a COBRA letter and have 60 days to choose COBRA, and you’ll pay the full premium yourself. For current COBRA premium rates, visit https://www.ththealth.org/premiums/#cobra.
Teachers Health Trust determines COBRA eligibility, and once eligibility is established, WEX (the COBRA administrator) handles enrollment and ongoing coverage.
How long can I stay on COBRA?
You may be eligible for up to 18 months of COBRA coverage if the qualifying event is:
Termination of employment (resignation, retirement, leave of absence, etc.)
Leave of absence (if it results in loss of coverage)
Coverage may be extended to 29 months if:
The qualified beneficiary is determined to be disabled by the Social Security Administration (SSA)
Disability began within the first 60 days of COBRA coverage
Proper documentation is provided
Dependents may be eligible for up to 36 months of COBRA coverage if the qualifying event is:
Divorce or legal separation
Death of the primary account holder
Dependent aging out of the plan
What Happens Next:
After your coverage ends, WEX will send you a COBRA election notice. This includes your coverage options, cost, and deadlines.
If you'd like to elect COBRA coverage, enroll online through WEX or complete and return the election form within 60 days.
Make your first payment with 45 days to activate your COBRA coverage. If you ever miss a monthly payment, your COBRA coverage will be cancelled and will not be reinstated.