COBRA in a Nutshell

If you lose your group health coverage due to certain “Qualifying Events,” you may elect to continue that health insurance under the same group contract for a limited period of time. If you elect to continue coverage, you must pay for it at your own expense. Importantly, there are specific rules under COBRA for when you need to make an election and pay your premiums. This booklet outlines the rights, rules, and responsibilities under COBRA for you.

Why is it called COBRA?

COBRA is an acronym for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, a federal law that was enacted in 1985. The continuation of coverage provisions of the COBRA law allow you (and any dependents who were covered under your group health plan) the opportunity to continue your group health plan coverage when it would otherwise terminate and generally governs continuation of coverage requirements for employers. 

What is Vita COBRA?

Vita Administration Company is the firm retained by the employer sponsoring your group health insurance coverage to administer COBRA coverage. As such, certain administrative tasks required by the law are transferred to Vita; these include notification, payment, and enrollment processing responsibilities. Vita COBRA is the product name which identifies the processes and systems used by Vita in the administration of your COBRA coverage. 

Questions

If you have any questions about this notice, your rights to elect COBRA, or your responsibilities in electing COBRA coverage, you should contact the Vita Concierge directly at (650) 966-1492 or help@vitamail.com.