Unless your former employer’s business was sold and you lost coverage in connection with the sale, you are not eligible for the COBRA subsidy if the former employer is no longer in business. You may wish to find a Blue Cross agent near you, or call Blue Cross at (651) 662-5050 or toll free 1-800-262-0823 to learn about other coverage options.

The former employer can access information at employers.bluecrossmn.com or refer to the Group Leader Bulletins that Blue Cross has sent to group leaders. The former employer may also call their agent or the group leader line. The phone number is also listed on their Blue Cross billing statements.

Contact your former employer for the form. If you have not been able to receive the form from your former employer and you’re already on COBRA (but need to apply for the subsidy), download the Blue Cross COBRA & Continuation Election Notice (Abbreviated Version) Form X17370 (PDF). If your former employer had fewer than 20 employees on a typical business day in 2008, and you are already enrolled in COBRA, this Blue Cross form must be used. If you have not yet elected COBRA, or if the employer had 20 or more employees in 2008, contact your former employer first as they may be using a different form.

If your former employer is a church, contact the church’s benefits administrator to find out if the church was fully insured. If yes, you’ll need to use this fully insured church plans form (PDF).

The average number of employees an employer has on a typical business day in 2008 determines whether that employer is subject to federal COBRA law. Employers with fewer than 20 employees are not subject to COBRA (they are subject to Minnesota continuation law). Under the new COBRA premium subsidy provision, these employers must comply to assist their eligible former employees (and dependents) obtain the subsidy.

Contact your employer for instructions. If you are already on COBRA, you should be using the Blue Cross abbreviated version (Form X17370). If you need additional instructions, you may also contact Blue Cross customer service at the number on the back of your member ID card.

You must have been involuntarily terminated from employment between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009 (or be the dependent of an involuntarily terminated employee). Many variables must be reviewed in determining whether you are eligible for the COBRA subsidy. For more information, contact your former employer, or go to the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Labor websites. You can also contact an Employee Benefits Security Administration (Department of Labor) benefits advisor by calling toll free at 1-866-444-3272.

If you are eligible for the subsidy, your former employer will bill you for 35 percent of the COBRA premium you would normally pay. You should talk with your former employer about the specific amount that you must pay.

Appeals are handled by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). An application for review of your denial is available online in English or Spanish. If you believe you have been inappropriately denied eligibility for the premium reduction, you may also call an Employee Benefits Security Administration benefits advisor at 1-866-444-3272.

While the new COBRA premium subsidy may meet your needs, there may be more affordable, longer-term alternatives to COBRA for some members. This COBRA alternatives handout (PDF) describes the different plan options from Blue Cross. You may also refer to our individual and family plans brochure (PDF). If you have questions, you can contact an agent by selecting find an agent near you on the home page of this site, or you may call Blue Cross at (651) 662-5050 or toll free 1-800-262-0823. You can also find information about and apply online for our individual and family plans.