Continuation of Benefits (COBRA)


Should you leave Rice for reasons other than “gross misconduct” and not qualify as a retiree, or if your spouse or dependent has a qualifying event, you have the option to continue medical and dental benefits under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) for a limited period of time.

If you are entitled to COBRA benefits, Rice will give you a notice stating your right to choose to continue benefits provided by the plan. You have 60 days to accept coverage or lose all rights to benefits. Once COBRA coverage is chosen, you are required to pay 102 percent of the cost of coverage.

Rice University treats registered and enrolled domestic partners as spouses for purposes of COBRA coverage under the Rice medical and dental plans. Please contact Human Resources should you, your spouse or domestic partner, or your dependent become eligible for COBRA coverage or if your dependent should no longer qualify for coverage.

Rates

FY 2024-2025

FY 2023-2024

If I elect COBRA coverage, when will my coverage begin, and how long will the coverage last?

Generally, COBRA coverage is measured from the date of the qualifying event and not the loss of coverage date, even if coverage is not immediately lost as a result of the qualifying event. Coverage can last up to 36 months.

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