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?
4 replies (most recent on top)
@OP - if you can in medicaid or some other program in your state I would advise that .
If your premium is that high you may have kids. See if you can get them into CHP - one premium no copays .
This doesn’t answer your question but just today my premium was corrected (reflects company subsidy) today. So log in and check yours.
@OP someone write this on another post which I found very useful:
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.
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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.
@OP this is false. My last day was in April and I did not pay until Optum’s records reflected the right subsidy amount. By law we have 60 days to elect COBRA and then another 45 days to make the payment after electing. It is retroactive back to the day after employment coverage ended.