"COVID National Health Emergency" & subsequent COBRA payments

I was laid off in February 2022. I elected COBRA shortly thereafter and have been paying since. Plan is an employer group policy with UHC and the COBRA admin is Wage Works/Health Equity.

Long story short, I am having trouble making payments due to an extended period of unemployment and have contacted customer service multiple times to ask for options– specifically in relation to the “National Health Emergency” that was extended again by Biden in February of this year. No one there seems to have no idea what I’m talking about and I can’t get a clear cut answer on whether this applies to me and also if I stop making payments on if my insurance will be terminated or not. The only thing that a rep could come up with is the “American Rescue Plan Act” of 2021, however based on what I read that was for COBRA payment subsidies and has long since expired.

There is pretty clear cut information on their website here that indicates to me that the due dates for subsequent payments are extended until 60 days AFTER the National Health Emergency has ended (which according to a law firm site won’t be over until February 28, 2023).

It’s very important that I keep my health insurance active at the moment as I’m going through multiple medical issues and also all deductibles and out of pocket max for the year is met. I know it’s risky to stop making subsequent payments assuming this statute applies to me so looking for advice….

See also  [US-VA] Another "Help Me Choose My Insurance" Post