We are not COBRA. For specific contract details about your current company policy, contact your health plan administrator.
Re: REQUIRED NOTICE FOR DISCONTINUED COVERAGE
In Reply to: REQUIRED NOTICE FOR DISCONTINUED COVERAGE posted by VICKI REMBOLD on April 10, 2005 at 19:30:29:
: I HAVE A HMO HEALTH CARE THROUGH MY EMPLOYER WITH MY COPAY DEDUCTED FROM MY PAYCHECK.
: I HAVE BEEN ON DISABILITY SINCE 9/17/04. I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A LUNG TUMOR 6/04 AND IT WAS REMOVED IN 10/04. DURING A FOLLOW UP ANOTHER UNRELATED TUMOR WAS FOUND. (ACOUSTIC SCHWANOMMA) I BEGAN TREATMENT IN MARCH, RADIOSTATIC SURGERY, THAT IS 30 DAYS OF TREATMENT.
: I RECEIVED FROM MY EMPLOYER TODAY A NOTICE OF DISCONTINUED COVERAGE WITH THE DATE 3/31/05. COBRA WAS OFFERED TO ME BUT I'M NOT FINANCIALY ABLE TO AFFORD ANYTHING AT THIS TIME.
: I HAD A CREDIT DUE TO ME FROM MY EMPLOYER FOR A NOTHER INSURANCE COMPANY THAT SAID I WAS NEVER COVERED WITH THEM AFTER I HAD BEEN PAYING THAT PAYMENT FROM MY PAYCHECK ALSO.
: I ASKED THE REFUND TO BE APPLIED TOWARDS MY EXISTING COVERAGE.
: I'M IN THE MIDDLE OF TREATMENT FOR THE TUMOR AND I HAVE OTHER DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS SCHEDULED FOR THIS MONTH.
: I HAD NO PRIOR WARNING OR NOTICE OF THIS DATE. IS A 30 DAY NOTICE REQUIRED? WHY CAN'T I PAY THE DEDUCTIBLE LIKE I WAS BEFORE?
I realize COBRA is expensive, but the fact is under the circumstances you can not afford to be without coverage. Under the COBRA law, you only have 60 days to choose COBRA. That would be the end of this month. Without it you will not be able to get other coverage. Are you in a position to take out a loan to pay COBRA premiums or is there a family member in a position to help you out? If you have low income and very little assets, you could see if you qualify for Medicaid. Best of Luck to you.
Halley