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COBRA

Continuing Medical Coverage

If you or one of your covered dependents loses health coverage due to a life event (see below), the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) allows you to continue coverage in Stanford-sponsored plans, provided you are enrolled in these plans on the date of the life event.

Summary Of Benefits

You have the opportunity to pay for a temporary extension of health benefits when your or your dependent's coverage would otherwise end. You pay 102% of the full group rate. The following plans are covered under COBRA:

  • Medical Plan
  • Dental Plan
  • Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Vision Plan

Life Events

There are a variety of events that make you eligible for up to 18 months of COBRA coverage. Some of the most common life events are:

  • You voluntarily leave Stanford University
  • You retire from Stanford
  • Stanford ends your employment for any reason, unless you were terminated because of gross misconduct
  • The number of hours you are scheduled to work at Stanford is reduced below that required for eligibility
  • You become disabled

In some cases your covered dependents can continue coverage up to 36 months, such as:

  • You are divorced or legally separated
  • You die while you are covered under eligible plans
  • Your dependent no longer qualifies as a covered dependent

Enrollment

A COBRA notification and enrollment package will be mailed to you and your covered dependents. To elect COBRA coverage, you and/or your covered dependents must complete the COBRA enrollment package and return it to The Vita Companies within 60 days after receiving it.

When Coverage Ends

COBRA coverage ends:

  • The last day of your allowable COBRA continuation period
  • When premiums are not paid on a timely basis
  • If Stanford stops offering the group plan
  • You become covered under another employer's group health plan that does not have any pre-existing condition exclusion or limitation
  • You enroll in Medicare benefits

For more information, contact The Vita Companies.

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