Question on COBRA benefits

[NewJeffCT]

I have a question on COBRA benefits.

My wife is extremely unhappy at her job. I don’t want to get into details, but she is on the verge on quitting.

Unfortunately, at my job, I am not going to be eligible to get benefits until after the New Year. Meaning, we get our health, dental, etc insurance through my wife’s job.

I have been lucky so far in my life and have not had to deal with getting COBRA benefits. If you quit your job, are you still eligible to get benefits through COBRA? If so, for how long?

And, yes, I know it is considerably more expensive to get benefits this way.

[Zomby Woof]

1. Yes

You are eligible for COBRA upon voluntary separation. You basically have to pay the full premiums to your former employer though. So expect an increased household expense.

I am not sure on how long it lasts, but the new year is around the corner, and I am certain thay last longer than a few months.

My best wishes for you two.

[Shakespeare]

COBRA benefits max out at 18 months after termination/separation. n/t

[Zomby Woof]

3. Ah, thanks!

I knew it was at least a year, but was unsure. You just have to love the precariousness and expense of healthcare in this country.

[philosophie_en_rose]

2. It depends on the size of her employer and other factors.

If she's eligible for COBRA, I believe that her employer is obligated to inform her of the process to continue benefits.

[hunter]

4. We got bit by COBRA.

It's expensive, and when ours ran out, we couldn't get any health insurance, not because it was too expensive, but because NOBODY would sell it to us. For a couple of months we only had health insurance for our kids until my wife found a job with a group plan.

Sometimes a "wing and a prayer" is the only health plan available, especially if you suffer some pre-existing condition.

Health care in the United States Sucks Big Rotten Eggs. We are not a humane nation; we are a big fat bloated boar wearing lipstick and a dress.

Good Luck! The New Year isn't a long ways off, and if you don't have too many assets, there is always the E.R. & Medicare.

[Shakespeare]

6. You're in CA--it's state law that you have to at least be offered coverage

I don't recall what the specifics are, but there are options available to you--by law--when the COBRA runs out. If you're still in need, check the state's website (the state website is excellent about providing consumer info).

[hunter]

8. Yeah, we did, but it was a pain.

They don't make it easy, and there was a waiting list of sorts, and magic wands to make things retroactive once you pass. It's like Dorothy knocking on the door of Emerald City, and once you get in, who knows what will happen.

I don't know what it's like in other states, thus my general comment.

[Gormy Cuss]

9. HIPAA also provides some protection on continuation of insurance

in most cases if the individual had been covered by a group plan(s) for at least 18 months before COBRA kicked in. The consumer must have a coverage certification from the old employer to prove prior group plan participation. The 'P' in HIPAA stands for portability. Once an individual has been covered by a group plan there are very limited ways that one can be denied access to new group or individual plans. In practice what I've heard is that if the consumer isn't aware of this and makes enquiries without stating a continuation under HIPAA, insurance companies sometimes 'forget' to ask and say they have no insurance plans open to the person.

I'm no expert in this area so take this with a grain of salt.

Link to HIPAA portability explanation at DOL web page:
http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/portability.htm

[hunter]

11. They don't return your calls, or send you to get lost in a menu tree...

"Doh! I should have pushed "8" instead of "2!"

Being put on "hold" for twenty minutes or more is common, so wait it out, and registered mail is your friend.

"I sent you a registered letter on _____ , you recieved it on ____ and it was signed by (scribble), and I'd like to speak with _____. Thank you.

And then you find out how much it costs.

Honestly, what kind of idiot nation doesn't have a national health care plan?

[Gormy Cuss]

12. This kind of idiot nation, apparently.

The irony is that we have a national health care plan for seniors (Medicare) and it works well.

[Lance_Boyle]

5. COBRA benefits

significant improvement over KAOS benefits; not nearly as comprehensive as SPECTRE benefits.

[AngryAmish]

7. Have you read the COBRA diary?

It is a must.

S"igned up with COBRA today. I got real excited when they said I earned a signing bonus... figured it would be a couple hundred bucks that I could put toward a new bumper for my truck. Nope. Just a t-shirt with a funny-looking snake on the front. And I'm not supposed to wear it in public. Pretty weird stuff, but they seem like nice guys."

snip

"Awful exciting day today. First we got to do our airborne training. They loaded us up into a plane, and we flew up and then jumped out. Our chutes had the big, scary COBRA symbol on them. It was awesome. But it was hard, because we were supposed to keep yelling "COBRA!" all the way down. It was tough to get enough breath to yell right at first. Sarge says it just takes practice."

[hunter]

16. Strangely, it's a lot like that.

Except the first parachute doesn't work and "COBRA" is not the only word you are screaming as you plunge towards bankruptcy.

[bif]

10. We're paying $1000/month

It's killing us. But you have to have it.

[speedoo]

13. I'm no expert, but my impression of COBRA in CT is not good.

Unfortunately, your best bet if at all possible would be to have your wife hang in as long as possible, for a couple of reasons:

1. Assuming you hold your job until after the new year, you will minimize COBRA expenses.

2. More importantly, if disaster strikes and you somehow don't hold your job, you would have to rely on COBRA indefinitely.

[Shakespeare]

15. COBRA is federal law, not state law.

It's applied the same wherever you live.

[Nikia]

14. We got catastrophic short term insurance for 2 months

Until my insurance kicked in at my new job. Nearly $900/month was not worth it. We figured anything that wasn't catastrophic would would cost much less than that or could wait. I was told by someone else that you can wait on taking COBRA insurance until you need it, but I am not sure how that works.

[ghostsofgiants]

17. I think the worst part is having G.I. Joe on your ass all the time.

[GirlinContempt]

18. lol

[ghostsofgiants]

19. About damn time that got some recognition.

I was quite proud of that reference.