How it works.... Intel gave ERP'ers "2 years medical". However, only 18 months of that is COBRA which gets us thru the end of 2017. For 2018 they gave people 6 months worth of premiums in a separate SERMA bucket that's called "SERMA Healthcare Assistance". You'll see that when you log on to http://resources.hewitt.com/intel/. Click on the yellow square that says "Your Spending Account". For single folks it was $6102, almost double that for those covering their family. You'll see an amount a little higher as it's been paying nominal interest.
As for the comment "positive we are covered until June 24, 2018", yes, we are, however, you need to ENROLL every year for the next year's benefits. You don't do it once and it's all good for the 2 years. Or, I think you can ignore during open enrollment and they'll automatically enroll you in the same plan you had. Not 100% sure on that but maybe that's what @paw is talking about when s/he said "positive we are covered until June 24, 2018".
What is unclear to me (had a LONG call today with GoMyBen) and still don't have an answer) is... I was under the impression that the last 6mo that's paid out of the "SERMA Healthcare Assistance" bucket ($6102 for single person) HAD TO BE used for IRMP. In fact, I found a note from a little over a year ago when I called in about it and was told that. Today I'm told I can use it to purchase insurance outside of IRMP. I'm not sure I believe that but hope its true! IRMP is EXPENSIVE @ $1017 a month for a single person.
Sure, you're saying.. 'So what?? Intel is paying for it'. Yeah, they are, but only for 6 MONTHS. The remainder of 2018 premiums is on YOU to pay and I don't want to pay $1017 a month for insurance. I think I can get it cheaper elsewhere but it's too early to get that info. I tried and was told to call back after 11/1 as they don't have 2018 premiums yet.