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Re: Can my COBRA really be cancelled if I move out of state?

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Posted by Fred on June 16, 2010 at 18:23:13:

In Reply to: Can my COBRA really be cancelled if I move out of state? posted by Mike on June 11, 2010 at 15:53:48:

Mike:

COBRA is not a federal "program" its a law.
If the plan rules specific termination of a member because of such an address change, I can understand why.

If the health insurance doesn't extend to residents of Massachusetts, and you get charged for the coverage, you can then sue the company for charging you, when they could not possibly protect you.

So the company is protecting you and them by terminating your plan. Seriously.
I would get private health insurance, assuming you are healthy.

Fred

: Question: I am a resident of Ohio and have been out of work/receiving COBRA continuation coverage for 11 months. The job market is terrible is Ohio, so I would like to move to Massachusetts where I have more contacts and the job market is 'better'. The company I used to work for is based in California and have stores in California, New York, Ohio, and Maryland. HOWEVER, when I went to change my address to a Massachusetts address I was told: "if/when you move to Massachusetts, your COBRA coverage will be cancelled because the compay I worked for doesn't have a location in Massachusetts"
:
: Is this legal? I was under the impression that COBRA was a federal program and that all companies with more than 20 employees were required to provide coverage for 18 months. Does is really make a difference if I change states?
:
: Any/All help is appreciated. If you can quote specific laws that would be extra helpful - I am at a complete loss here.

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Subject: Re: Re: Can my COBRA really be cancelled if I move out of state?

Comments:
: Mike: : : COBRA is not a federal "program" its a law. : If the plan rules specific termination of a member because of such an address change, I can understand why. : : If the health insurance doesn't extend to residents of Massachusetts, and you get charged for the coverage, you can then sue the company for charging you, when they could not possibly protect you. : : So the company is protecting you and them by terminating your plan. Seriously. : I would get private health insurance, assuming you are healthy. : : Fred : : : Question: I am a resident of Ohio and have been out of work/receiving COBRA continuation coverage for 11 months. The job market is terrible is Ohio, so I would like to move to Massachusetts where I have more contacts and the job market is 'better'. The company I used to work for is based in California and have stores in California, New York, Ohio, and Maryland. HOWEVER, when I went to change my address to a Massachusetts address I was told: "if/when you move to Massachusetts, your COBRA coverage will be cancelled because the compay I worked for doesn't have a location in Massachusetts" : : : : Is this legal? I was under the impression that COBRA was a federal program and that all companies with more than 20 employees were required to provide coverage for 18 months. Does is really make a difference if I change states? : : : : Any/All help is appreciated. If you can quote specific laws that would be extra helpful - I am at a complete loss here. :

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