How soon do I need to make a decision regarding continuation of my health care, and/or dental, vision, FSA coverage?

You have 60 days from the date of your COBRA notice (or from the date your coverage as an active plan participant ends, if later) to elect COBRA coverage. If you do not mail a completed enrollment form within this time period, all COBRA rights will end.

I am enrolled in COBRA and have paid for previous months. Why can’t I access my coverage until I pay for the current month?

COBRA law requires that your payments be current before obtaining coverage. Your insurance or health plan will not re-activate your coverage until Surency has reported that we have received your payment.

What if I need to obtain a prescription or otherwise access health care while I am waiting for the insurance or health plan to re-activate my coverage?

If you are properly enrolled and have made a timely payment, your coverage will be “turned on” retroactive to the first day of the month for which you paid. Until then, the insurance/health plan may report you as “not covered” or “waiting for payment.”

If you need to access health care in the meantime, you may need to pay out-of-pocket for your care and then submit a claim for reimbursement to your health plan (not to Surency) after your coverage is re-activated.

How long after Surency reports my premium payment will I be able to use my insurance/health plan?

After we notify your insurance or health care plan that we have received your payment, it may take a week or more for them to “turn on” your coverage again. For this reason, we recommend mailing your payment 2 weeks or more before the due date whenever possible. 

How long after Surency receives my premium is my insurance/health plan notified?

Surency usually reports your payment to your insurance or health plan within 1 week of receiving your payment.

When I send my COBRA premium to Surency, what do you do with it?

Surency collects premiums on behalf of your previous employer. All premiums collected are forwarded to your previous employer just as if you had paid them directly.

Is Surency an insurance carrier or health care plan?

Surency is NOT an insurance or health care plan and cannot answer benefit or claim questions. Questions regarding plan coverage or health claims should be directed to your insurance/health care plan(s).

What is Surency COBRA?

Surency COBRA is a COBRA billing and eligibility reporting company. Surency manages COBRA notices and enrollment and premium collection processes for employers.