For anyone that took the recent VSPP offers, can you explain how Cobra works. I keep getting different answers from HR. Have upcoming surgery very shortly after my end date. Can't get a straight answer about going from payroll deduction to paying for my Cobra. Since it's close to my end date I'm trying to get it straight before I get hit with medical costs that I'm not expecting. Any help appreciated. You would think it would be straight forward but every step of leaving is turning out to be a confusing pain in the @#&.
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I retired in NC in 2015.. I don't remember details about Cobra other than it was the most expensive option. I simply kept my same company insurance though the monthly premiums greatly increased, yet still less than Cobra.
Thank you so much. No one in HR could give me a straight answer and the website had my insurance showing an increase of $2000/month even though I was supposed to have the company subsidized offer. Glad to know the numbers will change. They don't make it easy. I appreciate the answers because I almost had a heart attack when I saw that. Knew it couldn't be right but afraid I would spend the next several months arguing with them about it when I just want to move on.
Did you get subsidized cobra, meaning the company continues to pay a portion, and your cost is the same as an employee? Most likely you did, so just be sure to go to centurylinkhealthandlife.com to enroll and make or setup payments.
They do a horrible job with all making this clear despite the 76 pages of garbage in the termination packet that a third grader could have done better. You opt into the options for cobra you want online and they send a paper version later. It’s all done on that website and you have to wait a week after termination before it shows the correct costs. It has all the clarity of an irs website . Call them and you’ll get the best information.
Centurylinkhealthandlife.com
No I haven't received anything. One hr rep said that they would send a packet of info with sign up. Another said that I'm supposed to go online and just sign up. Couldn't get anymore details than that out of them. Both just said look @ the retirement guide online. Not sure if something gets mailed out or not.
Have you received you COBRA notice? If so, does the notice say how you sign up?
Thanks! I appreciate the help. Do they send paperwork or do you enroll online? I've been told both when talking to HR. One person sent me to the retirement site but it didn't seem to have the info based on the current package that I took. Not sure why No one in HR gives the same answer.
1 year? I received 2 years of cobra, Florida just give another package with 3 years of cobra and an additional $20,000 on top of the $30,000 after 30 years . 2 years ago my manager told us you may not get another offer like this, if they do not meet that magic number next is mandatory layoffs. I just wonder if upper management has anything to do with that tactic. I’m skeeeered!
You do have to opt in for the exact benefits you want going forward. I would recommend keeping everything the same. You can provide your method of payment (get billed or just provide bank routing and account) and they will draft your payments automatically going forward with the first payment being delayed by 1.5 months but you are covered the entire time.
You just keep your insurance that you have now for 1 year and the payments come out of your checking acct.
It is really seamless, nothing changes stayed united health care same dental and vision coverage. Still have yearly enrollment as always, just have to set up auto deduction from personal account for what you pay monthly. My transition was very smooth, if you do not feel you get the right answers from hr hang up and call again these people are all contractors just like everything else and did find some were not on the same page. I was fortunate to get a kind sweet gal in Atlanta area very sweet and patient,good luck.