Update: Resources for Group Members Losing Coverage

April 16, 2020

As a reminder to the news alert and article we issued on April 1 (see updated information), if you have employees who will be losing coverage under your employer health plan, those employees may have several options for alternative coverage. 

• Federal COBRA: Eligible employers with 20 or more employees must offer coverage under federal COBRA. Employees losing coverage due to a qualifying event, which can include job loss or a reduction in hours, may have the opportunity to enroll in COBRA coverage to continue their current group health plan. 
  
• Individual coverage:
  • Marketplace Plans – Any individual can enroll in a Marketplace plan, and some may qualify for financial assistance, depending on their income. Employees can view their benefit plan options at Selectbcbsil.com.
  • Medicaid Plans – Eligibility for Medicaid depends on income and other state requirements. Illinois employees can view additional information about Medicaid.

Additional Resources
We have created materials to help you communicate these options to employees: 

• An email template you can use to explain their coverage options.
• A flier that can be printed or shared electronically in English or Spanish .