Webinar Follow-Up: Your Top Questions Answered
Thank you to everyone who attended our recent COBRA Open Enrollment webinar. Below is a summary of the key questions we received, along with clear guidance to support you through this year's OE process.
Q: What is the best timing for the beginning and end of Open Enrollment, relative to the start of coverage?
A: For COBRA participants, Open Enrollment should mirror the employer's active-employee Open Enrollment period as closely as possible. This means:
- Start OE at the same time active employees begin making elections.
- End OE before the start of the new plan year so that elections can be processed and updated in time for coverage to begin on the effective date.
- In short, COBRA OE should run concurrently with your standard Open Enrollment whenever possible.
Q: Do we need to offer COBRA Open Enrollment if we do not have anyone currently on COBRA?
A: Yes. Even if you do not currently have COBRA participants, you are still required to offer a COBRA Open Enrollment period in case:
- A former employee who is still in their COBRA waiting period elects COBRA during their election period and must choose plans for the new year.
If there are no enrolled COBRA members or members still in their waiting period pending election, there is no one to send Open Enrollment packets to, and the request would not be required.
Q: Can COBRA coverage be terminated at any time, or only during Open Enrollment?
A: COBRA can only be terminated under qualifying termination events, such as:
- Non-payment of premiums
- Voluntary request to terminate coverage
- Eligibility for other group coverage or Medicare
- The employer terminating all group health plans
Participants do not need to wait for Open Enrollment to terminate their COBRA continuation coverage. They may request termination at any point.
If you have additional questions or need support with COBRA Open Enrollment, please reach out to your dedicated Ameriflex Client Relationship Team. We're here to help make this season as smooth as possible for you and your COBRA participants.
