Q: Who and/or what is eBenX?
A: eBenX is a website that provides terminated employees with some of the plan options available to them.
Q: How do I know if any of the individual plans will accept my current doctor?
A: When you choose to look for an individual health plan through eBenX, you may search and filter based on several factors, including searching for only those plans that allow you to keep the doctor you already have. Keep in mind, your COBRA election period is limited to 60 days, so you will want to be careful to make your decisions in time to enroll in COBRA if you should choose to do so.
Q: If I decide to elect COBRA, but then change my mind due to the cost, can I still use the eBenX site to find an alternative source of coverage?
A: Yes. Your former employer has partnered with us to assist you with your options to seek coverage alternatives once you've left the company–this option is not waived by electing COBRA. Keep in mind, that once you terminate COBRA, you cannot re–elect COBRA. Also, if you decide to enroll in an alternative coverage, and then change your mind and wish to enroll in COBRA, you may have missed your COBRA election period – once the 60 day election period for COBRA ends, you cannot enroll in COBRA.
Q: How do I decide whether to elect COBRA or an alternative?
A: Ultimately, it is your individual decision which option to choose. However, keep in mind that COBRA coverage is retroactive to your last day of coverage under your employer's active plan to avoid any lapse in coverage. If you decide to enroll in individual benefits, the effective date of the alternative coverage will most likely be effective after you've been approved by the insurance company of your choice. Another factor to consider is whether you have met your deductible in your current plan (which would be continued under COBRA). Any prior claims previously applied against a deductible would not be credited towards an individual policy's deductible – for some this may not be material, but it may be important to others.
Q: Am I obligated to apply for an individual policy if I choose to search for quotes?
A: No. Only once you've found a policy that fits your individual or family needs would you need to apply. If you do not find a policy that works for you, you may look into state policies (information provided on the eBenX website under "My Options"), or if you are still within your COBRA election period, you could apply for COBRA continuation benefits.
Q: The website provides a link to enroll in COBRA. Does this mean I have to enroll online?
A: No, you are not required to enroll online, but if this option is available to you, you may log in using your username and password as provided in your Qualifying Event Notice. If you did not receive this information, or you prefer to not use this service, you may still complete the paperwork provided to you and send this in to the address provided on the form.
Q: Upon choosing the "I Want to Enroll in COBRA" link, it opens a page that requires a Username and Password. How do I know what these are?
A: This information may have been provided in the COBRA Qualifying Event Notice you received. If you did not receive this information, or you prefer to not use the web enroll option, you may complete the paperwork provided to you and send this in to the address provided on the form.
Q: I'm over 65 and have started Medicare. Do the individual policies available include Medicare supplemental plans?
A: Yes, in addition to Short Term care, Dental, Life policies, Individual and Family coverage, and Travel insurance.
Q: I'm having an issue with the eBenX website, who may I contact?
A: (On the eBenX site) If you need to speak to a customer service representative, please call 877-324-2588 toll-free, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time.
(On the eHealth site) you may call the 1-800 number listed on the e-Health screen.
Q: I have preexisting conditions, will I still be eligible for individual plans?
A: You will have to discuss the coverage options available to you with the broker or carrier. Some individually underwritten plans, listed online, may offer you coverage, but at a higher premium, based on a pre-existing condition, while some may not offer the coverage at all. Once you apply for coverage, the carrier will evaluate your individual situation and provide you with the determination as to whether you are eligible for coverage, and at what premium. COBRA continuation coverage is not impacted by pre-existing conditions and would be retroactive to your loss of coverage date and is an option to avoid a lapse in coverage. Another factor to consider is whether you have met your deductible in your current plan (which would be continued under COBRA). Any prior claims previously applied against a deductible would not be credited towards an individual policy's deductible - for some this may not be material, but it may be important to others.
Q: When would my individual policy be effective if I apply?
A: Individual coverage is offered prospectively, and coverage will begin on the date the underwriting is finalized and the premium is paid. COBRA is offered retroactive to the date active coverage is lost, and is effective after the election form is completed and the applicable COBRA premium is paid. In some instances, it may make sense to elect COBRA until your approval and pricing for an individual policy is finalized and the policy is in force. However, there is no requirement to first elect COBRA.
Q: Will I have the same benefits that I did as an active employee if I choose an individual policy?
A: No. Individual policies are not a part of the benefits supported by or endorsed by your former employer's benefits team. Individual plans have no connection with your former employer and will need to be reviewed carefully by you to identify the level of coverage available. Another factor to consider is whether you have met your deductible in your current plan (which would be continued under COBRA). Any prior claims previously applied against a deductible would not be credited towards an individual policy's deductible - for some this may not be material, but it may be important to others.
Q: How do I find out more about state policies that may be available to me?
A: A link is provided on the eBenX website under "Things to Consider." This link is in the paragraph for Key Consideration #5.
Q: I'm still not sure which option to choose. How can I be sure I'll be covered while I'm reviewing my options?
A: Ultimately, the decision regarding which plan you enroll in will be yours - and we cannot make a recommendation regarding which plans are most appropriate, as every individual's health and financial needs are different. This site is designed to simply provide you with more information regarding your options, and cannot recommend specific solutions for any individuals. Some individuals may elect to enroll in COBRA (as it is retroactive to the loss of coverage date) to ensure they have coverage while they investigate all coverage options - and if they decide to change later, they can simply terminate the COBRA. Keep in mind, that once you terminate COBRA, you cannot re-elect COBRA. Also, if you decide to enroll in an alternative coverage, and then change your mind and wish to enroll in COBRA, you may have missed your COBRA election period - once the 60 day election period for COBRA ends, you cannot enroll in COBRA. Another factor to consider is whether you have met your deductible in your current plan (which would be continued under COBRA). Any prior claims previously applied against a deductible would not be credited towards an individual policy's deductible - for some this may not be material, but it may be important to others.
Q: My employer is offering to pay for my COBRA benefits for a period of time, what are my options after that time frame is over?
A: If your employer is paying a portion or the full amount of your COBRA cost for any period of time, you may continue on COBRA benefits after that time by paying the full cost. If you choose to seek alternative coverage instead, you may use any of the options provided on the eBenX website to assist you.
Q: How much will the individual policies cost?
A: The premium you pay, and if you are even eligible to enroll in an individual policy will depend on several factors, including your health history, the level of coverage you wish to purchase (for example, what deductible you wish to have, what prescription drug coverage is included, etc.) In addition to the cost of the premium, there are other factors to consider, such as the level of benefit provided - someone that incurs health expenses may pay more out of pocket by electing a plan with a lower premium, but lesser benefit then someone who pays a higher premium for richer benefits - it depends on your healthcare needs and tolerance for risk. Please keep in mind, also, that the premium cost listed on any health plan websites is not final until the underwriting is completed - so that you shouldn't base your decisions on the premiums listed, until they have been confirmed by underwriting.
