Help with Cobra and Ceridian "Update"

[Currently Unemployed]

Hello all,

I posted before on my Cobra questions, and had quite a few replies. Unfortunately that post is gone, I think it is archived and don't know how to get it back. It was only about 4 or 5 days ago that I made it. That seems like a very short time for it to disappear. I tried to Google it but couldn't find it. Can anyone help me with a link to it?

Anyway, Ceridian has sent me a letter about Cobra. The letter at it's top has an important notice, that I may be eligible for a subsidy under the ARRA act (which went into effect 2/17/09 when President Obama signed it, and discounts Cobra amounts by 65%). Then it says that they will be sending out a notice on 4/17/09 with eligibility requirements and certification process (even though I'm sure they know exactly how this works now).

The letter then goes on to say that my insurance costs is the full amount. I can see how this company works. First it tries to baffle you with paperwork, all sorts of dates that mix and conflict with each other. Then if you make a misstep, it cuts you off.

To top it all off they say a payment is timely if it has been postmarked within the grace period,
sent by Fedex or UPS with proof of date sent, then finally the kicker, "and received by Ceridian". I can see them dumping out the payments in the trash the day they get them... What would be the best way to send this payment to ensure I am not cheated by Ceridian?


Also should I send a check for the full amount, or should I contact them to find out how much to send? If I send them the full amount will it make me ineligible for the ARRA reduction? Also on the enrollment form it says you can enroll online, but I'm not sure I trust that. Anybody ever sign up for Ceridian online?

Any info you can give would be great. I know this post is a bit rambling, but I'm a wee bit turned around after attempting to find my earlier post then reading the confusing letter with yet a whole new set of dates and time limits on it. I also know they are going to try to confuse things more than they are already.

I think I might bring in my State Representative on this one for insurance.

Thank you,
Currently Unemployed

[Crunchy Frog]

1. Here's the link to your earlier post.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=5277663

Things get archived pretty quickly on this forum because it's so busy. Good luck with everything.

[Currently Unemployed]

4. Thank you, that Google isn't much help...

But your direct link is!

Once again thanks,

Currently Unemployed

[onethatcares]

2. when my wife gets home, I'll have her look at your post

and give you a heads up. She works in that department, at that company.Please. do not push the boundaries of her reply, I'm just trying to help you out.


Peace.

[Currently Unemployed]

5. I'm sorry I sound so negative about the company.

I'm sure your wife likes to be employed, and that is one of my hottest goals too!

One of their main claims is that they help companies "shed" themselves of Cobra recipients. Sure, they help the businesses, but in the process they impact people who are just trying to get by and are in a very tough situation.

Thank you,

Currently Unemployed

[onethatcares]

7. I'm not understanding what you're trying to say.

I thought you had a question about COBRA, and I thought I could help you out. If her working there throws you for a loop because of their business, I'm gonna forget about this right now. I mean, hell, are you pissed at the people that work at the unemployment office too?

Sorry about the misunderstanding, re read whatever it is you have.

Peace

[Currently Unemployed]

9. No, that was my point. I am not mad at your wife, or anyone.

I think either you took what I was saying wrong, or I was unclear, or perhaps both. Please forgive me for unintentionally giving offense.

I am a bit upset about things, never having dealt with a situation like this before.

Thank you for the offer of help,

Currently Unemployed

[barbtries]

3. i can't help you with your insurance questions

but i can suggest that in the future you bookmark the threads you want to save.it's right up there on the top left. you can always find your bookmarks. i have a hell of a time trying to find an old thread by searching DU.

by the way, welcome! :hi:

[Currently Unemployed]

6. Thank you, I now know what that function is for! NT

[soothsayer]

8. Can't you call your former companies' HR dept? They should be able to explain this

I'm in the same boat (facing COBRA) and I thought that the new law or whatever meant our companies have to keep making their contribution for 9 mos, not just the short length of our severance period, but I'm not sure.

[Currently Unemployed]

10. They don't have an HR dept.

They the company I used to work for has farmed the HR responsibility out to another company. I have gotten a lot of conflicting and confusing information from the combination of my former employer and the company they hired.

I'll probably be fine, but any info I can get is appreciated, especially about how to get my payment to this company without a problem.

Currently Unemployed

[MiniMe]

11. I would call them and ask how much you owe

Make sure you get the person's name who you talk to. If you are worried about losing your insurance, that is the way I would go. I would also send it one of 1 ways, either FedEx, signature required, or certified mail, return receipt requested. Getting your payment in is your first priority, althouth you have 60 days, I wouldn't cut it too short. Insurance usually bills a month ahead, and is paid a month ahead. Make sure you have documentation for exactly when your insurance from the company start and what months you have are paying for to Ceridian. While they know exactly how much you owe for the insurance, it is very possible that they don't know exactly how the law will work and what the reductions will be. This is something new and they have to make sure their ducks are in a row before they send out info. Most laws don't take effect immediately upon signature, it is always several months. The stimulus package that the President signed in February doesn't require the reductions in payroll taxes until April, so this is probably similiar. It takes time to get these things rolling, and lots of details to cover for everybody like the payroll tax tables, and reprogramming for payroll systems.

60 days is the big date to remember, you have 60 days from the date of your termination to opt to take the Cobra coverage, and the coverage is retroactive. And all of those premiums must be paid if you are continuing your coverage. The longer you wait, the bigger the check you will have to write all at once.

Good luck finding another job, it is tough in this economy.

[Currently Unemployed]

12. Thank you very much.

I will call tomorrow, recording who I talked to. Then I will Fedex, signature required, the check to them. Even if it never gets there I will still have over a month to get the next one there.

Your help has been terrific, thank you,

Currently Unemployed, but hopeful

[MiniMe]

13. Hope it helps

Been there, done that as they say. Keep your head up and try to keep a positive attitude. :hi: