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Leaving Duke: COBRA Continuation of Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage

Faculty and Staff participating in Duke's health, dental, and vision coverage are able to continue participation in these plans following separation from Duke under a federal law called COBRA. Though the cost of the coverage differs from your monthly premiums while you are an active employee, this law enables you to retain the coverage for up to 18 months (longer under certain circumstances).

  • Here is a link to a presentation developed to help answer questions you may have as well as walk through the process of selecting (enrolling) in COBRA continuation of your coverages. Please note the timeframes for making decisions related to selecting this option. COBRA Continuation Insurance (on-demand presentation)

Duke has selected HealthEquity to administer the COBRA continuation of coverage. You are welcome to contact them directly. To reach the COBRA Continuation Center, call toll free 800-526-2720.

Extension of COBRA Election Windows, Premium Payment, and Claims Filing and Appeals Deadlines

Certain deadlines relating to COBRA coverage have been extended until 60 days after the end of the COVID national emergency, as determined by the federal government.  If you have had a COBRA qualifying life event, or if you have had COBRA coverage, on or after March 1, 2020, please note the following extensions:

  1. For participants with a qualifying life event occurring on or after March 1, 2020, the qualifying event notice deadline (e.g., the deadline by which an employee must notify Duke of the loss of other coverage, acquisition of a new spouse or dependent, loss of eligibility for Medicaid or CHIP coverage, or gain of eligibility for state premium assistance subsidy under Medicare or CHIP) is extended to 60 days following the end of the COVID national emergency, as determined by the federal government.
  2. The election window for COBRA coverage of Medical, Dental, Vision, or Health Care Reimbursement Accounts is extended to 60 days following the end of the COVID national emergency, as determined by the federal government.  The extension of the election window does not extend the length of time that an individual is eligible to continue COBRA coverage.
  3. For participants who have elected COBRA coverage on or after March 1, 2020, the initial premium payment deadline is extended to 60 days following the end of the COVID national emergency, as determined by the federal government.  The deadline for subsequent premium payments is also extended to 60 days following the end of the COVID national emergency, as determined by the federal government.  The extension of the premium payment deadline does not prohibit the cancellation of COBRA coverage if payment is not received timely.  The extension of the premium payment window will, however, allow for the reinstatement of coverage once outstanding premium payments are made.
  4. For participants who have elected COBRA coverage on or after March 1, 2020, the ERISA claims and appeals submission deadlines (e.g., the deadlines by which a claim for benefits or an appeal of a denied claim for benefits under Duke’s Medical, Dental, Vision, or Health Care Reimbursement Account plans) are extended to 60 days following the end of the COVID national emergency, as determined by the federal government.

Additional information related to these extended COBRA deadlines is included in the COBRA notification packages mailed to COBRA-eligible individuals. 

For additional information related to subsidized COBRA coverage, please review the following FAQs:

Benefits