Short answer
You’re likely receiving a check because we collect COBRA premiums from former employees (participants) and remit those premiums to you, the employer, so coverage can remain active under your existing group health plan.
How COBRA billing works
When an employee experiences a COBRA-qualifying event (such as termination or reduction in hours):
The individual may elect COBRA continuation coverage
Under COBRA, the participant remains on your group health plan
The participant pays the full cost of coverage, often including an administrative fee
Instead of paying you directly, the participant pays us as your COBRA administrator.
Why the participant stays on your bill
In most group health plans:
COBRA participants are not billed separately by the insurance carrier
They remain on the same invoice as active employees
The carrier continues to bill you, the employer, for total coverage
Because of this, you still need the participant’s premium in order to pay your carrier in full.
Why we send you a check
Here’s where we come in:
We collect COBRA premiums from participants
We track elections, coverage months, and payments
We send you the participant’s premium so you can pay your carrier
That’s why you receive a check — it represents the COBRA participant’s portion of your group health premium.
What you should do with the check
Apply the payment toward your regular carrier invoice
No separate action with the carrier is typically required
Continue paying your carrier as usual
Common questions
Is this money extra revenue for the company?
No. This payment is strictly to cover the COBRA participant’s insurance premium.
Will I receive a check every month?
Yes, as long as the participant:
Remains enrolled in COBRA, and
Pays their premium on time
What if a participant doesn’t pay?
If payment isn’t received within required timelines, coverage will be terminated and no payment will be sent for that coverage month.
Can I set up ACH payment instead?
Yes! Just send us an email at ops@anuvi.io letting us know you'd like to set up ACH remittance and we will send you a secure request for your banking information.
Still have questions?
If you have questions about a specific payment, participant, or billing cycle, please contact our support team at ops@anuvi.io. We’re happy to help.