Employee Manual 2023 - Flipbook - Page 57
to be disabled under the Social Security Act and prior to the end of the initial eighteen (18) months
of coverage. In addition, the covered individual must also provide notice within thirty (30) days of
the date they are finally determined not to be disabled. (Coverage will end on the first day of the
month beginning after (30) days after the covered individual is determined not to be disabled.) The
cost of Continuation Coverage will increase after the 18th month of Continuation Coverage (to 150
percent) for all qualified beneficiaries who remain covered unless the disabled individual does not
elect to continue the group health plan coverage.
Secondary Events: The term COBRA Standard Secondary Events simply means one Qualifying Event
stacking on top of another. It allows a Qualified Beneficiary who is already on COBRA to extend
COBRA coverage, under certain circumstances, from 18 months to 36 months of coverage. In
Standard Secondary Events, the 36 months of coverage extends from the date of the original
Qualifying Event.
A Standard Secondary Event is a termination or reduction of hours, followed by:
Death of the Employee
Medicare Entitlement
Divorce or Legal Separation
Dependent Child Ceasing to be a Dependent.
Also, as stated above, COBRA coverage may be extended from 18 months to 29 months in cases of
Qualified Beneficiaries who are deemed by the Social Security Administration to have been
disabled before the end of the first 60 days of COBRA continuation coverage. If one member of the
family qualified for the 29 months, the entire family is qualified for the 29 months. Further, each
family member retains qualified status during the extension period. If a second Qualifying Event
occurs during this period, Qualified Beneficiaries retain the right to an extension of the maximum
coverage period to 36 months, just as they would if the second event had occurred during the 18month period.
Right to Convert: When COBRA coverage is coming to an end you and/or your covered dependents
will be notified of the right to elect an individual conversion policy.
Evidence of Insurability: Evidence of insurability does not affect continuation coverage under
COBRA.
If you change marital status or change yours and/or your spouse’s address, you must notify the
human resources director. To comply with the provisions of the law, all COBRA notices will be sent
to the “last known address”. If you have questions about the law, contact the benefits
administrator.
EAP: Employee Assistance Program:
The City offers an Employee Assistance Program, that provides no-cost, confidential help for a wide
variety of employee needs and concerns. Employees who have the City's Life or Disability
Insurance have access to guidance and counseling services. Complete listing is available by the
benefits administrator.
City of Plymouth Employee manual - Page 57 – March 2023
