How to Enroll in COBRA

If your Sana health coverage ends due to a qualifying event—such as leaving a job or a change in employment status—you may be eligible to continue your health coverage through COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act).

Sana partners with Optum to administer COBRA continuation benefits. Below is what to expect and how to complete your enrollment.

What is COBRA?

COBRA is a federal law that allows eligible employees and covered dependents to temporarily maintain their existing medical, dental, or vision coverage after a qualifying event.

• Employer Eligibility: COBRA applies to employers with 20 or more eligible employees.
• Duration: Continuation coverage typically lasts 18 to 36 months, depending on the nature of the qualifying event.
• More Info: For detailed federal guidelines, visit the U.S. Department of Labor COBRA FAQ.

How COBRA Enrollment Works

1. Coverage Termination & Notification: When your Sana coverage ends, your employer updates your status. Sana reports this change via automated file feeds to Optum.
2. COBRA Notice Sent: Optum generates and mails an official COBRA Enrollment Notice and Election Packet to your home address.
3. 60-Day Election Period: You have 60 days to elect COBRA coverage. Your 60-day window begins on either your coverage termination date or the mailing date printed on your Optum notice (whichever is later).
4. Retroactive Coverage: Once elected and paid, your COBRA coverage backdates to the day after your previous Sana coverage ended, ensuring no gap in insurance protection.

COBRA Premiums & Activation

To activate and maintain your continuation coverage:

• Payment Portal: All COBRA premium payments are managed directly through Optum’s Payment Portal (detailed in your mailed packet).
• First Premium Timeline: You have up to 60 days from the date you elect coverage to submit your first premium payment.
• Activation Requirement: Your COBRA coverage will not become active until your initial premium payment is processed by Optum. Once processed, your coverage is fully reinstated back to your effective start date.