It’s Time to Review Your 2026 Benefits! Open Enrollment runs October 27 – November 14, 2025. Visit the Open Enrollment Webpage. 

Loss of Coverage (COBRA)

After your Tulane employment ends or you lose benefits eligibility, you have several options. You may continue your medical, dental, vision, and healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA) coverage through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) for up to 18 months. The healthcare FSA may only continue through the end of the current calendar year and does not provide a tax benefit when extended.

You can also review coverage options at HealthCare.gov. Under COBRA, you pay your portion, the employer portion, and a 2% administrative fee to HealthEquity. The sections below explain when coverage ends, what to expect after separation, and key resources.
 

When Benefits Coverage Ends

Your benefit coverage ends at midnight on the last day of the month in which any of the following occur:

  • Your regular work schedule is reduced to less than 50% of full-time benefits eligibility
  • Your assignment is reduced to less than 7 months
  • Your employment with the University ends due to resignation, termination, or death
  • You stop paying your share of coverage during an unpaid leave of absence

Dependent coverage ends:

  • When your coverage ends
  • At the end of the month in which the dependent turns 26

What to Expect When You Separate or Lose Eligibility

  • After your department processes your change (or your dependent turns 26), Tulane has up to 30 days to notify WageWorks/HealthEquity (typically within 15 days).
  • WageWorks/HealthEquity then has 14 days to mail your COBRA packet with options and costs.
  • You and your dependents have 60 days to elect COBRA or forfeit continuation rights.
  • After electing COBRA, you have 45 days to make your first payment to WageWorks/HealthEquity.
  • Coverage is retroactive to the day after your employee coverage ended once payment is received.
  • COBRA costs are 102% of the premium (includes a 2% administrative fee).
  • Once covered, you may submit eligible out-of-pocket claims incurred during any gap for consideration.

If needed, a certificate of prior group health coverage can be provided upon request. (Under the ACA, proof of prior coverage is generally no longer required.)

Resources

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