Human Resources

Washoe County administers our COBRA program for participants in the High Deductible Health Plan, PPO and the Surest plans.

Please contact Washoe County Human Resources at 328-2081.

Current rates can be found on the Human Resources website with the following link: Washoe County Employee Benefits 

Normally, qualified beneficiaries are required to pay the entire cost of COBRA Continuation Coverage.  The amount a qualified beneficiary may be required to pay may not exceed 102 percent (or, in the case of an extension of continuation coverage due to a disability, 150 percent) of the cost to the group health plan (including both employer and employee contributions).

Terminated employees and their dependents (qualified beneficiaries) will be provided an election notice within 14 days of their termination date.

The initial premium payment must be made within 45 days after the date of the COBRA election (This is the date the Election Notice is post-marked, if mailed.) Payments must cover the period of coverage from the date of COBRA election retroactive to the date of the loss of coverage.  Qualified Beneficiaries have 60 days beyond the date they receive their election notice to sign up for their health care coverage.

The effective date of COBRA Continuation Coverage is the day following the termination date of health insurance.  The insurance is not activated until payment is received.

Your current health insurance coverage ends on your last day of work.

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) of 1985 mandates that employers that have with 20 or more employees and offer health coverage continue to offer employees benefits when they quit, are laid off or fired or have their work hours reduced. Additionally, benefits must be offered to the employee’s spouse and dependents. COBRA benefits apply to health care plans, dental plans, vision plans, prescription drug plans, etc. Benefits may continue for up to 18, 24, 29 or 36 months, depending on the cause for the loss of benefits.

If you are separating service with the County you will most likely be entitled to 18 months of continued coverage.

You will be notified by Washoe County on the process utilized to continue your health insurance program. After you make your first payment for COBRA Continuation Coverage, you will be required to make monthly payments for each coverage period. Payments are due on the 1st of the month for that coverage period. The Plan will not send monthly notices of payments due.