We know the COBRA regulations can be confusing for both employers and former employers. You are not alone, help is on our user board.

Our Health Insurance was terminated

COBRA insurance questions I have gotten though Email

Our Health Insurance was terminated on 12/31/2000. We have not received any notification from you. Could you respond to this e-mail or call at XXX-XXX-XXXX anytime. Also, is there any grace period of coverage after termination. Our Benefits are completely gone.

Your assistance is greatly appreciated

Thank you.

Linda B.



Linda: I did not terminate your benefits, as I am not your health plan administrator. I help consumers with their cobra problems. Are you healthy? If so get private health insurance for less.

If you have a medical history, give me some more info about your termination. What was it for?

Sincerely,





Thanks for responding so quickly. My husband resigned from one job because he did not choose to work with the new owner. It was either terminate or take an entirely different position. He was in management and was on salary and commission. The new position would not have guaranteed him any set salary, therefore, he left. He immediately went with another company and the insurance is not effective for 1-3 months. It will still be the same insurance carrier.

He was told by his old employer that COBRA would contact him. They have not. I have attempted to research as much as possible but am still confused on who's responsible to notify COBRA. The old employer said it was the insurance carrier.

My husband and I both take medications. I attempted to refill mine on Friday, 1/12/01, and was told that it was no longer in effect because the insurance was terminated by the employer on 12/31/00.

Because of the holiday, my carrier, is closed. I pulled Cobra online and was linked to an insurance application for coverage. It did not specify what carrier it was with and I was hesitant to fill it out because the confidentiality issues of the questions asked.

If you can help me better understand who should do what and what I need to do from my end to get insurance asap, I would be SO SO appreciative.

Thank you

Linda B.

Linda:

COBRA is a law, not a place or agency. The insurance carrier doesn't contact your husband, either the third party administrator (TPA), or your employer does, if it's a self administered plan.

Today is the 15th, so it has only been 2 weeks since he terminated. The employer has 30 days to contact the TPA, and the TPA has 14 days to contact your husband. So with the 44 day wait, it may only cover you for a month and a half until you can get employer health insurance.

I would consider buying a temporary health plan here: Quotes

unless your husband is scheduled for surgery in the next 3 months.