• COBRA Coverage

    Life is full of changes! Nothing Stays the Same.

    It is devastating to go without insurance during a change in family status. Such as, jobs change, employees retire, and children grow up.  COBRA can help with that transition. 

    What is COBRA?

    Congress passed the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). Surry County Public Schools allow the continuation of group medical insurance for up to 18 months in the following situations. 

    • An employee retires.
    • An employee terminates for any reason other than gross misconduct.
    • An employee's work hours are reduced to a level ineligible for benefits.

    There are special rules which apply to retiree plans.

    Who is eligible?

    The benefit is available to eligible employees and their dependents.  However, dependents are only eligible to enroll in COBRA if the employee elects COBRA and they enroll with the employee. 

    How much does COBRA cost?

    Premiums for coverage are usually more expensive than health coverage for active employees, since usually the employer pays a portion of the premium for active employees, while COBRA participants will have to pay the entire premium themselves.  

    What would cause this benefit coverage to end?

    This coverage ends when the continuation period expires, payment is not received, or Surry County Public Schools cancels the health plan contract.