Initial Enrollment in COBRA Coverage
Enrollment materials for COBRA are automatically generated when information is updated in the UT Benefits enrollment system indicating one of the following events has occurred:
- A loss of coverage due to a reduction in hours or the end of employment (except if terminated for gross misconduct);
- A dependent child aging out at the age of 26;*
- Death of the subscriber; or
- Divorce or legal separation from the subscriber.
*Certain children who are determined by the UT System Office of Employee Benefits (OEB) in conjunction with the UT Benefits Medical Director to be medically incapacitated and unable to provide their own support may be eligible to remain on their parent's coverage beyond the month in which they turn 26.
We automatically receive information from the institutions via the benefits enrollment system on a weekly basis. We prepare and send COBRA materials out via postal mail to individuals who are reported as being newly eligible to enroll in COBRA coverage through the UT Benefits program.
Please note that updates to the benefits enrollment system are often made after qualifying events have occurred. COBRA materials will be mailed as soon as possible following such an update and appropriate notification.
At present, there is no option to complete enrollment in COBRA coverage online. Once your materials are received, you can complete the enrollment process via email or fax if preferred. These options are quicker than using postal mail to complete your enrollment.
Additionally, it is important to note that COBRA applications will NOT be processed until a complete initial payment is received via one of the methods described below. At that time, COBRA will be processed effective the first of the month following the loss of coverage due to the qualifying event. Coverage must be continuous. Depending on the timing around notification that a qualifying event has occurred and submission of the COBRA application, the initial COBRA premium payment may need to cover more than one month.
Before your application is processed, save all documentation if you pay out-of-pocket for any expenses that would ordinarily be covered under the plan(s) you are enrolling in COBRA for (such as a prescription medication or medical services). Once your COBRA enrollment is in place, you may submit a claim to the appropriate insurance plan administrator for processing and reimbursement of any covered expenses that occurred after your regular coverage ended and during the COBRA processing period.
Contact
PHONE
(844) 579-8683
HOURS
9 am - 12 pm, 1 pm - 4 pm
FAX
(512) 852-3204
EMAIL
utcobra@utsystem.edu
APPLICATIONS and CORRESPONDENCE
Office of Employee Benefits
UT Benefits Billing for COBRA Coverage
210 W. 7th Street
Austin, Texas 78701
MAILED-IN PAYMENTS
UT System COBRA
P.O. Box 733195
Dallas, Texas 75373-3195
ONLINE PAYMENTS www.texas.gov/UTCOBRA