We are not COBRA. For specific contract details about your current company policy, contact your health plan administrator.
In Reply to: Church drops insurance posted by John Spurling on September 02, 2003 at 09:12:27:
Yes, churhces and government organizations are generally exempt from COBRA regulations. In addition, cancelling the entire group medical plan (church or not) would not allow for COBRA continuation as there would be no group to continue on.
You have perhaps two options here depending on your health insurance carrier:
1 - If your current health carrier offers a conversion plan (straight conversion to special indivdiual coverage plan), you could exercise that option.
2 - You could be eligible for guaranteed-issue individual coverage under HIPAA as long as you meet the eligibility requirements (18 months continuous coverage, not eligible nor enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid, must apply within 63 days of last group coverage date).
Be sure to compare the benefits of the HIPAA options against the conversion option (if available) as some conversion plans have restrictive benefits compared to HIPAA.
Both options will cover your HBP and any other pre-existing condition.
Dave
www.davefluker.com
: Recently I stepped down from my position at the church and the agreement called for converage to continue until now. It has come to my understanding that churches do not have to offer COBRA. This church is also cancelling its medical insurance policy. Am I out of luck? I take medication for high blood pressure and have checked into short-term coverage with little success due to my HBP. What can I do?