Those who lost health coverage and whose jobs were affected on or after Sept. 11 may be entitled to receive reimbursement of extended health insurance premiums, the Department of Human Services announced yesterday. State to help pay COBRA
health care premiumsStar-Bulletin staff
The state will reimburse up to $125 in monthly COBRA premiums for a single person and $315 for a family, or the actual amount paid, whichever is less.
The federal COBRA program allows workers who leave a company to pay for health insurance at the same rate as while they were employed.
The COBRA Premium Reimbursement Program, authorized by a special session of the Legislature, will go into effect on Wednesday.
Participants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
>> Lost employer-sponsored health insurance due to a furlough, layoff, reduced work hours or termination from employment on or after Sept. 11.
>> Elected and paid for COBRA extended coverage.
>> Have proof of COBRA premium payments.
>> Family assets do not exceed $10,000, excluding the primary residence, two vehicles for employment or personal family use, furniture, items needed for daily living, household goods and one burial space for each family member.
>> Hawaii residency during the period for which reimbursement is sought.
Applications for the program will be accepted beginning Wednesday. Premiums paid for the period beginning Sept. 12 will be considered for reimbursement.
Interested persons may contact Med-QUEST Division Finance Office for applications and brochures at the following numbers:
>> Oahu, 692-7920 or 692-7982.
>> All other islands, 800-574-0911.
Applications are also available at the Med-QUEST Eligibility Branch Offices and Unemployment Insurance Division Claims Offices of the state Department of Labor & Industrial Relations.
Application forms and proof of COBRA payments may be submitted in person or mailed to Department of Human Services, Med-QUEST Division/Finance Office, 1001 Kamokila Blvd., Suite 317, Kapolei, HI 96707.
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