Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)

Continuation Coverage Rights Under COBRA

This notice contains important information about your right to COBRA continuation coverage of your HEALTH or DENTAL benefits in the MSU’s group health plan (the Plan), a temporary extension of coverage under the Plan. This notice generally explains COBRA continuation coverage, when it may become available to you and your family, and what you must do to protect the right to receive it.

The right to COBRA continuation coverage, a significant benefit, was established by a federal law known as the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). COBRA continuation coverage can become available to you when you would otherwise lose your group health coverage. It can also become available to other members of your family who are covered under the Plan when they would otherwise lose their group health coverage. For additional information about your rights and obligations under the Plan and under federal law, you should review your Health Benefit Brochures or contact MSU Human Resources.

Questions concerning your Plan or your COBRA continuation coverage rights should be addressed to the contact or contacts identified below. For more information about your rights, including COBRA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and other laws affecting group health plans, contact the nearest Regional or District Office of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) in your area.

To ensure the protection of your family's rights, it is crucial that you keep the Plan Administrator informed of any changes in the addresses of family members. Additionally, it is advised to keep a copy, for your records, of any notices you send to the Plan Administrator.