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.
13 replies (most recent on top)
Some states require health insurance or you get financial penalties. Is the switcheroo legal. They got all the praise online about the VSP, but the fine print sc--ws you.
@aq I’ve talked to others. Probably cheaper marketplace now. If you have no income.
I took the VSP, signed it, and Optum sends me this letter dated 9/11/26 that said because I was terminated effective 9/11, I don't quality for subsidized cobra and that I have to pay the full amount effective 10/1. Did your letters say this as well that you were terminated??? for those who took the VSP? Very stressed out right now.
@OP OmG. Why am I not surprised. Everything they do is a cluster fu-k
I just opened a letter from Optum stating the incorrect subsidy was applied and that starting this month the correct subsidy will apply. I looked at the severance agreement and it looked to me that it was being calculated at my previous contribution level when I was working. Thankfully starting a new job next month after looking for past 5 months.
@OP You have 60 days to elect COBRA and another 45 day grace period to make payment. When you do elect coverage is retro to 10/1. Hang tight, you have time.
Pro tip…..wait the 60 days to elect and then pay 45 days later IF YOU NEED IT. If you land a new job and benefits before then you just saved 3 months of contribution. Good luck.
@a8 I didn’t see anything in the letter where we could opt out and get paid to opt out.. Where was that information?
I was told to sign and return and they will get back to me on my payment.
Not to mention we’ve just been informed we have to pay FULL premiums for first couple of months before subsidy kicks in!!!! I simply cannot wait for this to all be in the rearview mirror!!!!
@a3 I definitely agree but didnt we give up that right when we signed the release statement or would this be separate of that?
Yes! Thats exactly what I was told after first having the agent at optum talk in circles. My premium payment schedule in the Optum cobra paperwork that was mailed out reflected that I am responsible for $2800 a period for cobra coverage. Ugh..the sh** show continues at centene even when trying to escape this circus
If possible, just take the money instead of any COBRA.
Opt out and get paid, then figure out coverage on your own, later.
At this point, bypassing all of this BS and getting $$$ in your pocket now, is worth more than the time and aggravation you'd have to be dealing with in dealing with Centene attempting to get its sh!t together on this.
For anyone who still hasn't signed any severance separation paperwork yet, heed this advice!
This sounds like grounds for a lawsuit to me.