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COBRA insurance questions I have gotten though Email

I left my company over 30 days ago and have still not received my COBRA packet. My former employer says he sent it, but for some reason we haven't received it. I have been unable to find out important information about my coverage, including what the premiums are, how much do we pay for office visits and emergencies, and whether life insurance (death) is covered. Could you fill me in on this?

Also, I recently had an emergency room visit and will also require follow up. Is this covered?

You also mentioned that it might be cheaper to go with a temporary health insurance plan other than COBRA. What would you recommend in our situation? DO you know of any specific companies that are reasonable and of good quality?

Thanks in advance for you help.

V. Sharma

V:

Did you change your address? I would ask your employer to resend the packet.

If you are healthy, then private health insurance is much cheaper.

I know of no reasonable health premiums or companies, the only thing you can do is avoid companies like Kaiser Permanente, and other HMOs. But it really depends on what you want. Most people want either freedom of choice (PPOs) or no back end expenses(HMOs).

Some people want to hold down cost, not matter how horrid their health care is (HMOs).

Since I don't know which is more important to you, I can't advise you.

AS far as your hospitalization, from the date of loss coverage, to 60 days after, you may retro your COBRA benefits.

Hope this helps



Thank you very much for your help. I filled out the application for the quote on your website. I'm not sure if we'll do COBRA or the temp insurance since we have hospital charges pending during the last month when we were uninsureed (I doubt the temp insurance is retroactive.) I'll have to see what works out cheaper.

Thanks again,

V. Sharma

p.s. we did have an address change, which is part of the problem.

V:

Just keep in mind the temporary health insurance won't cover bills incurred retroactively, and most don't even cover pre existing conditions.

Also the continuation benefits should be much better than private healthy insurance because your are paying several times the cost.



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