#cobra

For those who had a 9/4 VSP exit date, now that you’ve had some time away, do you have any advice or recommendations for those of us preparing for the 12/11 exit date?

Anything you wish you had done before your last day, things to be aware of during the transition, or tips for navigating the weeks immediately following departure?

I’d especially appreciate any insight regarding the severance process, benefits/COBRA, unemployment, or anything that may have caught you by surprise.

Thanks in advance! I’m sure many of us approaching December 11 would appreciate hearing about your experience.

Block is providing laid-off US employees with a minimum of 60 days' pay and severance. Affected workers will receive at least seven weeks of base pay, with an additional week for each year of service. Those who sign a severance agreement will get an extra 30 days of pay, totaling 90 days without working. The company is also offering three months of COBRA premium coverage for healthcare and a $5,000 transition assistance payment. These terms differ slightly from previous layoffs, particularly regarding healthcare coverage duration.

https://www.businessinsider.com/block-november-layoffs-severance-package-2026-11

Curious if severance is paid out in one lump sum. And if not, is the COBRA subsidy the full severance period?

For many of you recently, or not so recently, impacted by Capone's horrid practices and layoffs and are on COBRA - brace yourselves! A mailer came today with the NEW and HIGHER rates for 2027! WOW - The gotcha's keep on comin'... I thought the 2026 rates were bad enough, but 2027's.... well, for those that may still be dependent on COBRA into 2027, ... prayers up!!! Pathetic!

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/10/26/microsoft-msft-voluntary-buyouts.html

Something we might see from FDS?

Severance + accelerated vesting of stock + more than 1 month of COBRA insurance would be fantastic.

Has anyone received their cobra subsidy yet from centene? I haven't paid my premium yet since centene hasn't applied the subsidy. Its so expensive without it. I need the coverage though.

Can we opt out of the insurance when we get the VSP?

They upped my COBRA slightly but won't move on anything else. For people who got more severance, did they move before your first deadline or only after first deadline? Did you go back and forth or just sit silent?

Hello! I had the same issue as others where the subsidy was not showing. Finally, it updated with Optum and I made the first payment last week. I just got a message from my provider saying my insurance is inactive and I will have to pay out-of-pocket. I had already reached OOP max for the year and should be paying nothing. Does anyone know?

I have not received anything in the mail or via email about my COBRA benefits. I need a copy of it so that my spouse can see if they can add me on their insurance due to lose of coverage before I do COBRA. Can someome please help me? Should I use another form or call HR to request a letter? I also would like to know how much my COBRA would be if this doesnt work out. I logged into the Optum Financial website and I see nothing!

There are a lot of questions here regarding the VSP but none of those seem to fit ISP necessarily, and I have a couple of questions ...COBRA - I accepted the terms 10 days ago but have not received any subsidy information - my 10/1 payment is still listed as $1188.74 - how long does that take? Calling HR is a minimum 1 hour wait on hold.
Severance payout - for a 9/4 departure date appears to be 2-3 paycycles (30 - 45 days) is that correct? Thanks

If we don’t want to continue the Cobra coverage, do we just do nothing and it lapses on its own or is there some formal process we have to go through? Anyone reading who has been through this already please advise. The person on the phone when I called did not inspire confidence with her answer. Thanks

How can we contact Centene about our Cobra subsidy? Every time I try calling Centene, it forwards me to Optum. What a cluster. So glad to be out of this disgusting, disgraceful & dishonest company.

I signed the severance 9/11 and will be getting mine on Friday per Dayforce. My amount on Optum/Cobra was also corrected which I paid today. yeehaw. Now if my unemployment gets approved all will be well lol - wishing everyone peace and relief after all this!

I logged into the cobra.optumfinancial.com website and it's now showing my premium subsidy.

I just received a 2nd notice from Optum today. No subsidy reflected yet. Still showing the full amount due ($2,200+ monthly). Over 2 weeks since my last day (9/4), which has been more than enough time for them to correct this situation. So frustrating. Keep any nasty or ignorant replies to yourself.

I've read so many different things on here about what to do about the amount owed with Optum/Cobra.. I went ahead and signed for the amount that was like $1200/month because I assumed the amount will get fixed. This feels F*cking illegal. It's in our signed severance that they will cover us for 3 months. My portion is usually only around $300 a month. So, even if I DID pay the $1200 (which I cant afford too) it would WAY MORE Than those 3 months combined. That place is sooo fu---d. So unorganized. I'm so glad to be out of that fu--ing mess. BUT...does anyone have actual clarity on what we should? Wait to see if the amount adjusts? It's not like most of us can even afford to sue their a-s over this.

The squares could be named as follows:

Surprise meeting invite
Extension of layoff date
Lump sum severance
COBRA
Pre paid label for equipment return
Non-disclosure agreement
Layoff request
Knowledge transfer
The People Office

Anyone know how annual benefit enrollment can impact COBRA? Specifically if I switch plans during AE, which will be the COBRA plan?

Could anyone clarify whether we are required to pay the initial premium amount sent by Optum, which reflects the total before the subsidy is applied? I was advised by CNC HR that we must pay the full amount upfront and that Optum will later deduct the subsidy once they receive the relevant details, warning that failure to do so could result in the termination of our insurance on 9/30/26 without the possibility of retroactivity. However, Optum has provided conflicting information. Does anyone have definitive guidance on the correct procedure, as I am hesitant to pay $3,000 upfront to prevent my insurance from being cancelled?

Wasn't it considered an affordable option for laid off folks once upon a time?

Just disconnected from speaking with an Optum Financial call rep after receiving a letter from them that outlines premiums greater than what was agreed upon with Centene in the VSP separation agreement. The Optum Financial rep informed me they received a PSA notice internally from Centene that acknowledged Centene sent incorrect information to Optum in order to begin administering our COBRA benefits. Optum had no record of my 10 months COBRA Premium subsidy as promised by Centene. The agent further informed me the internal PSA notice they received states Centene was slated to mail out corrected forms to terminated employees 9/14 (2 days ago). Per the agent, it was advised for me to wait to enroll in COBRA until they had corrected agreement information from Centene. Great job, Centene. Here comes a potential lapse in coverage since last day of coverage is end of Sept. Optum said they are not retroing the effective date to 10/1.

Keeping Dell medical insurance is a great option, but cobra is very expensive. So many suggestions and options out there. If you went with another option, please share.

I know we all freaked out when we received the letter from Optum Financial with the COBRA info, but I want to make sure everyone understands that is NOT our out of pocket premium.
Here is what you need to do (I just did it):

• either mail the form in or, following the instructions on the letter, go online to complete the registration (I think it’s best and safer doing it online).
  Use the Registration ID they provided on the letter.
  Once registered, accept the terms. Make sure to save a PDF of your acceptance. DO NOT PAY!
  What will happen next: they will notify CNC that you accepted the terms. CNC will then send COBRA the subsidy information. Once they receive that they will update your record with the amount that is due by October 1st. This amount should be around the same as you had deducted from the 9/11 paycheck (it was doubled so it covered for the month of September). It takes between 7-10 business days, from the day you accept the terms, for this process to complete (that’s why I suggest doing it online).
  You will receive a letter from Optum with your update premium then, but about you can always go back to your account online to check on the updated premium.

I called them a few minutes ago and the CSR asked me if I could share all this with my colleagues as they are getting tons of call for the same reason/concern.

Just wanted to have a clean thread to calm your hearts (I would have had a heart attack had I had to pay $1,700 a month)! ☺️

How many weeks of pay?
How may weeks of Cobra?

Has anyone received a letter from Optum / Cobra after taking the VSP. I got a letter today stating that my premium due starting 10/1 are a total of $1,188.74 PER MONTH. How does that make sense? I thought they were paying a portion? this is absolutely fu---d

So i got a letter today regarding cobra election. The monthly amount from optum does not reflect what i am currently you paying at all. If about four times the amount. What should i do??

After that, you can elect to continue paying for the next 18 month on your own or find a health plan on the exchange. For a family of 4 the payment is approximately $3600/month.

How do i log in to dayforce? I tried calling HR and recording says they have higher than normal volume and they cant get the call. I tried twice.

I was a VSP employee and want to see what my last paycheck looks like.

Also I contacted COBRA and my premium will be $1143/month just medical. Still have not received word on how much of a subsidy Centene will provide.

Did the ISP employees get subsidized cobra? Whether you are VSP or ISP its still a challenging journey.

Note: Used AI to clean up and organize the wording of this post. The information and content are based on what we’re hearing from our contacts. AI did not generate the information.

The dates being discussed are not completely baseless or intended to add fuel to the ongoing rumors. They are based on information we are hearing from reliable sources.

The dates being mentioned are Sep 14 for the US and Sep 14 or 16 for IDC. One reason being discussed is that last time there were legal considerations around the Sep 2 timing and stock vesting, so there may be an effort to avoid similar issues this time.

Again, none of this is officially confirmed. This is simply what we are hearing.

If multiple people on Blind and here are independently talking about Sep 14, there could be some truth to it. Something similar happened last year when there were a lot of rumors about Sep 2, and the layoffs did happen on Sep 2.

Potential impact:
——
Based on what we are hearing, the impact could be mostly GVPs, middle management (M2/M3), and some ICs. But this is also not confirmed

###What you can do between now and Sep 13 midnight.
————————————-
1). Back up your personal materials
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Do not take Oracle proprietary or confidential materials. But download your personal documents such as paychecks, benefits information, contact details, performance records that you are entitled to keep, etc

2). Get your personal laptop ready
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Have your personal laptop set up with everything you may need for a job search. If something happens unexpectedly, you don’t want to be trying to transfer everything from your work laptop at the same time

3).Understand your health insurance options
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If you’re concerned about coverage, call Covered California this week and understand your options (Blueshield Silver instead of Cobra etc) before you need them. Don’t wait until the last minute. Also understand how WARN and COBRA work so you can make an informed decision based on your situation.

4). Review your life insurance
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If you currently have employer-provided life insurance, understand what happens to that coverage after termination and consider whether you need a personal term life insurance policy to protect your family. You can buy 20 year term insurance plan this week

5). Be prepared for the process
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If a layoff happens, you may receive a meeting invitation such as a ‘business update’ with your manager Sunday night or Monday morning (or just an early morning email). They will explain the next steps, including severance, benefits and returning company equipment. Follow the official instructions you receive.

6). Don’t panic
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If it happens to you, take a breath. Understand your severance and benefits, and apply for unemployment through EDD if you’re eligible. Give yourself some time to process everything.

7). Start preparing now
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Update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Start applying for jobs and consider using the time to upskill, especially in AI. You can spend part of the day applying and part of the day learning. It may take some time, but don’t give up.

Layoffs are happening across the industry, but the uncertainty and repeated restructuring can be very stressful. If something does happen, remember that it is not the end of your career. Take care of yourself, stay positive and focus on the next opportunity.

Hopefully none of this happens 🤞 But being prepared is better than being caught off guard.

Im reviewing the vsp email and there is a section about ICHRA cobra..Are they offering ichra health plans to people instead of the plan they had before but still want cobra premiums?

What kind of severance package is being given? When I got the call this morning they didn’t provide any details other than I was eligible for cobra, unemployment, and career counseling. I get my final paycheck in the next pay period. But are they offering payment for time with the company?

Can anyone who has been layed off recently advise how much cobra is? I have a serious health condition and expect a layoff. Just looking for estimate. Best wishes to those still looking for new jobs.

Question for anyone that was recently laid off. The Severance agreement states that we will be automatically enrolled in our current health benefit plans on September 1st but I also received a letter stating that I need to select a COBRA plan by November 1st? I tried calling but got someone that didn't seem to know what they were talking about and just advised me to login and pick a plan. I have been on a grandfathered health plan for years and don't want to mess anything up. Any advice out there?

Question for anyone that was recently laid off. The Severance agreement states that we will be automatically enrolled in our current health benefit plans on September 1st but I also received a letter stating that I need to select a COBRA plan by November 1st? I tried calling but got someone that didn't seem to know what they were talking about and just advised me to login and pick a plan. I have been on a grandfathered health plan for years and don't want to mess anything up. Any advice out there?

Has anyone here who recently retired or forced into retirement from Verizon signed up for the Retiree COBRA Plan?

My severance package includes my current health coverage, but that coverage ends in September, so I’m trying to decide whether enrolling in the Retiree COBRA Plan is worth the cost.

I know I can call Verizon Benefits and get answers to my specific questions, but I’d really like to hear from real-world Verizon retirees who have actually gone through the process and can share their experience.

For those who enrolled:

What are you paying per month?
Which plan did you choose?
How has the coverage been compared with what you had while working?
Have you run into any unexpected costs, limitations, or issues?
Overall, do you feel the Retiree COBRA Plan is worth the cost?

I’d especially love to hear from Verizon retirees in Florida, but I’m interested in anyone’s experience. I’m trying to make an informed decision before my current coverage ends. Thanks!

Tyson Foods is closing its meat processing plant in Eagle Mountain, Utah, resulting in the loss of jobs for 723 workers. This closure is part of a broader trend of increasing layoffs in Utah, with WARN-eligible layoffs affecting 1,683 workers so far this year. The affected employees face difficult decisions regarding finances and job searching. Experts advise workers to process the job loss, update resumes, network, and review budgets. Applying for unemployment and understanding benefit options like COBRA are also crucial steps.

Eagle Mountain, Utah

https://www.sltrib.com/news/2026/08/23/utah-layoffs-what-do-when/

With the onesy twosy layoffs still occurring why is there no info here on package? Weeks of severance? Weeks of cobra? , etc. has it drastically been reduced?

I know severance package details contain contact information but foreseeing being part of future WFR so curious what the cost is for PPO Cobra for employee/children or just employee? If you know please share.