COBRA

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What is COBRA?

COBRA stands for Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985. It allows you and your dependents to keep your health and dental coverage under the Texas Employees Group Benefits Program (GBP) for a certain period of time after you leave employment. This is called “COBRA continuation coverage.”

COBRA continuation coverage is limited to the benefits you have when you leave employment. If you choose COBRA continuation coverage, you will pay the full cost of your premium(s). After you leave employment, ERS will send you a COBRA Notification, election form, and instructions for paying your premiums.

COBRA Death FAQ
COBRA Terminations FAQ

Coverage

Former COBRA Unmarried Child (FCUC)
Unmarried dependent over age 26 can continue health coverage under COBRA.
When can you enroll in COBRA?
Enroll when your employment ends or a dependent loses coverage.
Extending COBRA coverage
Cover may be extended to 36 months if during the coverage period you experience a secondary qualifying event.
COBRA Disability Participant
If you are classified as disabled, you may extend your COBRA coverage for an additional 11 months.
COBRA/Interim Insurance
Retire before age 65 and you may be eligible for up to 18 months of COBRA coverage.

Forms

Application to Request Continuation Coverage for a Disabled Dependent Child, At Age 26 and Over
GBP-eligible employees use this form to request approval to extend GBP coverage for a disabled child beyond age 26.
Payment Coupons for Insurance Premiums
Return these completed coupons with your monthly insurance payments to ERS.
Payment Coupons for TexFlex
Return these completed coupons with your monthly TexFlex payment to ERS. Payments are due on the 1st of every month.
Automatic Withdrawal/Cancellation of Insurance Premiums
Form for direct pay retiree, surviving spouse, and COBRA participant to authorize direct withdrawal of monthly insurance premiums from bank accounts.