Thread regarding Intel Corp. layoffs

Cobra is one of those really weird perks... It sounds like it should be such a great deal but you can get cheaper insurance then Intel offers. Also, this is a government thing that was put in place before Obamacare ensured everyone can get insurance even with pre existing conditions. So, it isn't all that useful in this day and age.

The one pro with Cobra is that when you get riffed, the last thing you want to do is deal with health insurance changes. You want some stability in your affairs, so that could be the best argument for taking Cobra.

I guess the other pro is that it has a cool name. Cobra insurance sounds bad a-s.

got laid off a couple weeks ago and going thru the process of electing my Cobra coverage for 2024+2025...
For the remainder of 2024, it looks like no change can be made to the coverage, which is expected, i.e. same plan we had before termination simply continues for the remainder of 2024, and intel pays for all the monthly premiums, i.e. $0 cost to employee (again as expected).
Now, when selecting new coverage for 2025, their system shows $0 cost to employee at first during the selection process for each plan. But at the very end, when it's time to approve selected plans (health, dental, vision), it shows a huge amount for the employee monthly cost in the final summary, which doesn't make sense since intel should still be paying for all the monthly premiums (at least until Oct. 2025, i.e. 1 year after termination, per severance package that was offered).
Looks like a bug in their system (I hope)!?

I took VSP last year-last day 12/31/23-i switched from HDHP to PCP. I also signed up for VSP+ and kept dental. Intel covered the costs of everything. It’s a huge benefit especially if you are covering your family. You’ll get a monthly statement mailed to you showing $0 owed. Sign up for what you want during open enrollment. Don’t miss that window!

If you had insurance before your last day, you have the same now. No action needed. It’s in FAQ. Also, you can pick whatever plan you want for open enrollment, at the end it shows $0 due with subsidy. The open enrollment chat function works well if you have further questions. Wait time was not too long.