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Benefits That May Be Kept After Termination

Terminating employees will retain the health and dental insurance benefits they have elected through the end of the month in which they leave the college, provided the full premiums have been paid. Under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA); employees may elect to continue medical and dental coverage for up to 18 months. A terminating employee has 60 days following the date of the end of his/her coverage to select this option.

If the individual has a balance in their Flexible Spending Account, they will be allowed to provide claims against that account for the next tax plan year. They will no longer be allowed to make contributions to their flexible spending account.

A dependent spouse of an employee whose eligibility for coverage ends due to divorce, or a child who reaches the maximum age for coverage as a dependent may continue medical coverage for up to 36 months. The cost is 100% of the premiums plus a 2% administrative fee.

If the individual becomes eligible for other group insurance or accepts Medicare, COBRA benefits through Macon State College will be discontinued. However, if the new coverage excludes pre-existing conditions, COBRA benefits may continue. It is the individual's responsibility to ensure that premiums are paid in a timely manner. If payments are not paid to the college in a timely manner, coverage may be discontinued.

COBRA information will be provided to terminating employees during the exit interview.