Need "approval" for COBRA Stimulus Plan?

I am so confused now.

My Dh was laid of Jan 30th. He had 6 weeks banked insurance until March 14th, then COBRA started.

We had to borrow money to pay for COBRA to cover just me until Surgery and I was told by the insurance company that on April 17th was when they were starting the COBRA Stimulus Plan which would extend my coverage until July - or so I thought.

Since April 17th was Friday I called today to check to make sure my insurance would go past the 24th of my surgery date. I was told that I had to fill out paperwork to make sure no one else in the family wanted coverage and then I would be reviewed and put up for "approval" for the Stimulus!!

WTF?? I thought if a company was doing the stimulus then a former employee didn't need to be "approved" for it. I am so confused now on how this all works.

I am only hoping I get the paper work ASAP because I need the follow-up care covered. I know the surgery will be covered no matter when they discharge me, but we just can not afford to pay more into COBRA. I will if I have to though, but . . .YK?

Does anyone else know anything about the COBRA Stimulus Plan at all?

You are eligible for 18 months worth of COBRA.  However, you must elect coverage. You have to fill out the paperwork.  The stimulus actually provides for a 60% reduction in the total cost of COBRA coverage.  For example, if your COBRA coverage would have cost $1000/month... you would pay $400. 

As far as the 'rest of the family' and their coverage.... you can change all of your coverage elections when converting to COBRA.  Let's say that you had dental, vision, and medical coverage for everyone in your family.  Since you already had your glasses this year, why pay for coverage you can't use?  So, you can elect different coverages for everyone in the family.  Medical for you.  Nothing for anyone else.  Or any variation.

The stimulus does not increase the time period you are eligible for coverage... just a reduction in premium. 

I hope this helps.