Human Resources When Coverage Ends Q & A
Q: What happens to my benefits if I leave NWRESD?
A: If you leave mid-year, your benefits end date will depend on your last day worked. If you leave on or before the 15th of the month, your benefits will end at the end of that month. If your last day is the 16th of the month or later, your benefits will end on the last day of the following month.
If you leave at the end of the year and complete your contract, your benefits will end on September 30th for Licensed employees, and will end on August 31st for Classified employees, as long as you have provided notice of their resignation before June 30th.
Once your benefits end, you have the option of continuing coverage through COBRA. You will receive COBRA paperwork and application directly from Benefit Help Solutions in the mail shortly after your termination date. BHS will handle your COBRA plans and payments.
Q: How do I know if I am eligible for COBRA?
A: COBRA is offered to employees and their eligible dependents when employees or dependents lose coverage due to the following qualifying events:
- Termination of employment (except in cases of gross misconduct)
- Death of the employee
- Loss of coverage due to retirement
- Medicare entitlement of the employee
- Reduction in the employee’s work hours
- Divorce or legal separation
- A child’s loss of dependent status
- Leave of absence
Questions regarding COBRA eligibility should be directed to BenefitHelp Solutions at (800) 556-2230.
Q: How and when will I receive my COBRA information and Application?
A: When your termination date for your coverage is entered into the OEBB system, that data gets transferred to BenefitHelp Solutions within a week and they will mail your personalized COBRA packet/application to your home.
Q: Can I stay on COBRA for more than 18 months?
A: A few common circumstances that allow COBRA coverage beyond the initial 18-month period are if the person is disabled, if they are over age 55 at the time they become COBRA eligible or if they gained COBRA eligibility due to the death of a family member. Questions about extending COBRA beyond the initial 18-month period should be directed to BenefitHelp Solutions at (800) 556-2230.
Q: Can I select a different plan when I move to COBRA?
A: Normally COBRA coverage must be the exact same plan you had as an active employee.
Q: Will I have an opportunity to change my COBRA plan selections in the future?
A: Yes, COBRA participants are allowed the same Open Enrollment options as they would have had were they still an active employee. Available options and the associated premium costs for participants are distributed by BenefitHelp Solutions each August. Questions regarding COBRA Open Enrollment should be directed to BenefitHelp Solutions at (800) 556-2230.
Q: Where can I find information about COBRA enrollment deadlines, payment procedures, etc.?
A: The quickest source for specific questions pertaining to your personal COBRA coverage/options is to call BenefitHelp Solutions at (800) 556-2230. Below are links you may also find helpful:
For more FAQ's regarding COBRA, please visit BenefitHelp Solutions or visit OEBB's Frequently Asked Questions page specific to COBRA at www.oregon.gov/oha/OEBB/Pages/COBRA.aspx
