Can I extend the length of COBRA continuation coverage?
If you elect continuation coverage, you may be able to extend the length of continuation coverage if a
qualied beneciary is disabled, or if a second qualifying event occurs. A qualifying event, such as adding
a dependent through marriage or the birth of a child, or loss of other health insurance coverage, generally
allows for a special enrollment period outside of open enrollment.
You must notify the following contact of a disability or a second qualifying event within a certain time period
to extend the period of continuation coverage:
If you don’t provide notice of a disability or second qualifying event within the required time period, it will
affect your right to extend the period of continuation coverage.
For more information about extending the length of COBRA continuation coverage visit:
www.dol.gov/ebsa/publications/cobraemployee
How much does COBRA continuation coverage cost?
COBRA continuation coverage will cost: $
(enter amount each qualied beneciary will be required to pay for each option per month of coverage and
any other permitted coverage periods.)
Other coverage options may cost less. If you choose to elect continuation coverage, you don’t have to send
any payment with the Election Form. Additional information about payment will be provided to you after the
election form is received by the Plan. Important information about paying your premium can be found at
the end of this notice.
You may be able to get coverage through the Massachusetts Health Connector that costs less than
COBRA continuation coverage. You can learn more about the Health Connector below.
What is the Massachusetts Health Connector?
The Massachusetts Health Connector is a Marketplace offering “one-stop shopping” to nd and compare
private health insurance options. When you shop for a plan through MAhealthconnector.org, you can see
what your premium and out-of-pocket costs (such as co-pays, deductible, co-insurance) will be before you
make a decision to enroll.
When you apply through the Massachusetts Health Connector, you could qualify for help paying for your
health insurance, through a tax credit that lowers your monthly premiums, or a ConnectorCare plan, with a
lower monthly premium and lower out-of-pocket costs. If you apply through MAhealthconnector.org, you can
also learn if you qualify for free or low-cost coverage from MassHealth (Massachusetts’ Medicaid program)
or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). If you live outside of Massachusetts, you can access
the Marketplace for your state at www.HealthCare.gov.
If you live outside of Massachusetts, you can access the Marketplace for your state at www.HealthCare.gov.
Coverage through the Massachusetts Health Connector may cost less than COBRA continuation coverage.
Being offered COBRA continuation coverage won’t limit your eligibility for coverage or for a tax credit,
however, if you enroll in COBRA coverage, it will affect your eligibility through the Health Connector.
Visit MAhealthconnector.org or call 1-877 MA ENROLL (1-877-623-6765) or TTY 1-877-623-7773 for more
information.
You can also check out the Health Connector’s website for information on their plans and the types
of savings opportunities that might be available to you. Your employer can also help provide you with
materials and brochures that describe coverage options through the Health Connector.