BCBSTX is exiting the third-party administrator (TPA) and state continuation COBRA market in Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, effective January 1, 2026. This seismic shift in the COBRA marketplace presents a significant challenge for employers that rely on these critical services.
Some employers may not be aware if this impacts them, so the first step for group agents is to determine if the client has an issue.
- Direct the BCBSTX COBRA client to log in to their employer portal to access their account.
- On the home page, go to the “Account Summary” menu and select “Account Details”.
- At the top of the “Account Details” page, click on the “Group Sections” tab.
- In the section column of this page, look for the 4-digit codes showing on the account.
- If these 4-digit codes are “99xx” or “98xx”, the employer will need a new 2026 TPA or state continuation provider.
We view the challenge as an opportunity for group agents to demonstrate their “trusted advisor” capabilities to employers, who are seeking these new 2026 options in these states. Agility is offering a complimentary consultation to discuss the various options available in these states for COBRA TPA and state continuation services.
Group agents can also contact Agility producer support at (866) 590-9771 or email support@enrollinsurance.com for immediate answers to questions about COBRA TPA and state continuation options in these states for 2026. Producer Support can also answer any other insurance questions you have.
Agility can also add you to our weekly free email list for more tips and other valuable information, such as this, for your reference.
