How much does COBRA cost?
COBRA rates are listed on the Documents tab above. Rates change each calendar year. Please note the rates listed are monthly.
When will I receive my COBRA paperwork?
You will receive a COBRA packet in the mail from UMR within 45 days of your qualifying event (separating from Bronson). Your COBRA packet will contain your rights and responsibilities under COBRA, detailed information on your COBRA timeline as well as an election form, projected plan premiums and payment instructions.
How long does COBRA coverage last?
COBRA requires that continuation coverage extend from the date of the qualifying event for a limited period of 18 or 36 months. The length of time depends on the type of qualifying event that gave rise to the COBRA rights. You may terminate coverage at any time.
How long do I have to elect COBRA coverage?
You will be given an election period of at least 60 days (starting on the later of the date you are provided the election notice or the date you would lose coverage) to choose whether or not to elect continuation coverage. After you make your election, you will be given another 45 days to make you initial premium payment. After that, payments are due on the 1st of every month.
How do I enroll in COBRA?
Your COBRA coverage will not become active until you return your election form to UMR, make your first premium payment and pay your account to current. It is important to note that even if someone else is paying your COBRA premiums it is still required that you elect coverage. Please reach out to UMR for questions on how to complete the enrollment process and where to submit your forms and premiums to. Once you complete these steps, UMR will send a notice to your carriers requesting that your coverage be reinstated retroactively to your first day of COBRA. Please note that your COBRA coverage will not be immediately updated with the carriers—carriers typically take 5-7 business days on average to process the reinstatement requests.
How do I pay for my COBRA coverage?
COBRA premium payments are due on the first of every month. We will accept your premium payment as long as it is postmarked or submitted by last day of your payment grace period (30 days). You can pay for your premium via check, one-time online credit card/debit card or bank account payment. Please note that your COBRA coverage can be terminated earlier than the maximum period if you do not pay your premiums in full on a timely basis. It is your responsibility to ensure your COBRA premiums are paid in full each month.
Can I change plans when I enroll in COBRA?
You can make changes to your COBRA plans during open enrollment only, which will occur every year when your plans renew. During open enrollment, you can change your plan elections and add dependents. However, you can always drop plans or go down in coverage level outside of open enrollment. You can additionally add new dependents such as newborns as long as they are reported within 60 days of the event.
Do I have to enroll in COBRA?
No. There are options available to you when you lose coverage due to a qualifying event. You can be added to a spouses medical plan, enroll in COBRA, or check the Healthcare Marketplace for options by visiting https://www.healthcare.gov.
If you have questions regarding your COBRA continuation coverage, please contact UMR Monday - Friday from 7am - 5pm PST.
UMR COBRA Department
1-800-582-8547