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Re: Retiree losing dental & vision but not medical coverage. What are my rights?

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Posted by Fred on August 13, 2010 at 06:36:18:

In Reply to: Retiree losing dental & vision but not medical coverage. What are my rights? posted by Steve on January 09, 2009 at 06:52:04:

Steve:

If your dental & vision are not bundled with your medical coverage then you have an unbundled plan and those "fringe benefits" are not covered under COBRA. There is no requirement for your former employer to extend optional coverage.

Fred

: I am retiring in June and will transfer to my employer's retiree medical coverage then. It does NOT include the dental and vision coverage I currently have from my employer. I asked to continue dental and vision coverage but they only offer benefits continuation for the entire benefits package (including medical). Are employers required to offer benefits continuation only for the lost coverage or may they "bundle" their COBRA offering so that I must buy medical coverage that I don't need?

: I will not experience a loss of medical coverage, so it does not seem right thay they only offer a COBRA bundled package.

: A second question: Is loss of coverage due to retirement considered a qualifying event?

: Thanks!

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Subject: Re: Re: Retiree losing dental & vision but not medical coverage. What are my rights?

Comments:
: Steve: : : If your dental & vision are not bundled with your medical coverage then you have an unbundled plan and those "fringe benefits" are not covered under COBRA. There is no requirement for your former employer to extend optional coverage. : : Fred : : : I am retiring in June and will transfer to my employer's retiree medical coverage then. It does NOT include the dental and vision coverage I currently have from my employer. I asked to continue dental and vision coverage but they only offer benefits continuation for the entire benefits package (including medical). Are employers required to offer benefits continuation only for the lost coverage or may they "bundle" their COBRA offering so that I must buy medical coverage that I don't need? : : : I will not experience a loss of medical coverage, so it does not seem right thay they only offer a COBRA bundled package. : : : A second question: Is loss of coverage due to retirement considered a qualifying event? : : : Thanks! :

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