Voya Employee Benefits Resource Center
Client logo

COBRA Administration

Continue your group health insurance after you leave your job

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation (COBRA) Act gives employees who lose or leave their job the right to continue using the group health coverage they already have for themselves and their covered dependents for a limited amount of time and at their own expense.


Employers who are required to offer continued coverage through COBRA must notify employees about their right to access coverage and how to enroll. Employees and dependents may qualify for COBRA through a qualified life event.


What is considered a qualified event?

  • Involuntary or voluntary job loss for any reason other than gross misconduct
  • Reduction in hours worked
  • Death
  • Divorce or legal separation
  • Ineligible dependent status
  • Covered employee becomes entitled to Medicare
If you are entitled to receive coverage through COBRA, you are allowed 60 days to elect to continue your group health coverage under COBRA.

COBRA can extend group health coverage for 18 or 36 months, depending on the qualified life event that triggered COBRA. Qualified life events during COBRA coverage can also allow for an extension of covered months under COBRA.

Manage your account by logging into the Member Portal.

Download our mobile app today to manage your account

App Store® is a trademark of Apple Inc. Android is a trademark of Google LLC.

Under COBRA, what benefits must be covered?

If you elect continuation coverage, the coverage you are given must be identical to the coverage currently available under the plan to similarly situated active employees and their families (generally, this is the same coverage that you had immediately before the qualifying event).


You will also be entitled, while receiving continuation coverage, to the same benefits, choices, and services that a similarly situated participant or beneficiary is currently receiving under the plan, such as the right during open enrollment season to choose among available coverage options. You will also be subject to the same rules and limits that would apply to a similarly situated participant or beneficiary, such as copayment requirements, deductibles, and coverage limits. The plan's rules for filing benefit claims and appealing any claims denials also apply.

Any change made to the plan's terms that apply to similarly situated active employees and their families will also apply to qualified beneficiaries receiving COBRA continuation coverage. If a child is born to or adopted by a covered employee during a period of continuation coverage, the child is automatically considered to be a qualified beneficiary receiving continuation coverage. You should consult your plan for the rules that apply for adding your child to continuation coverage under those circumstances.

How much does COBRA cost?

The premium costs depend on your employer. It’s important to note that both you, and in some instances your employer, may pay a portion of the insurance premium. Under COBRA, employers can pass the full premium costs, plus a 2% administrative fee, onto COBRA users.


It’s also important to consider all of your options for health coverage. The Health Insurance Marketplace on HealthCare.gov is one resource where you can review cost-effective options that may be available to you.

If I waive COBRA coverage during the election period, can I still elect coverage at a later date?

If you waive COBRA coverage during the election period, you must be permitted later to revoke your waiver of coverage and to elect continuation coverage if you do so during the election period. Then, the plan needs only to provide continuation coverage beginning on the date you revoke the waiver.

How can I send premium payments for coverage through COBRA?

Voya will provide payment coupons for available benefits via U.S. Mail. You can either mail in a check or money order accompanied with a premium coupon or set up a one-time or recurring electronic payment online by logging into your Member Portal.

How do I cancel coverage under COBRA?

You can cancel coverage through COBRA at any time, and for any reason. All requests to discontinue COBRA must be received in writing. To terminate COBRA coverage, access the COBRA Termination Request form. To request a premium refund, please contact the Voya Health Account Solutions team at (833) 232-4673.

Who can I contact regarding COBRA questions?

Contact the Voya Health Account Solutions team at (833) 232-4673 or [email protected].

COBRA Administration offered by Voya Benefits Company, LLC (in New York, doing business as Voya BC, LLC). 

Voya Learn video