Covered/Approved but concerned....

My husband lost his job on Tuesday. His insurance benefits will continue the month of March. My surgery is set for April 13th. At that point we "should" be covered by COBRA ins. I've done some research and it should be the "same" insurance as what hubby had, but we pay all of the premium to COBRA.

I'm just worried in the end it will cost more than originally planned.

Should I call my surgeon and see if I can be bumped up to the end of March instead??

Thanks in advance!
Karen

If you have the option of having it done in March I would. If nothing else for peace of mind.

I would definately have it moved up to as soon as possible.  Cobra is an option,but it is very expensive...Good luck!

Thanks girls. I'll send an email to the NP and surgeon, explain my situation. *cross fingers*

Sent a message to his office, and there is approx 2-3 business day for response. Talk about pins and needles!! This is more nerve-wracking then waiting on insurance to approve me

getting moved up is a great idea if they can do it.  Check to see if you qualify for the 35% program on cobra.  That means you only pay 35% of the premium.  I am currently on cobra and pay only 113 a month and that includes dental, vision and meds.  If I was not elegible for the 35% program I would be paying 340 a month. 
good luck.

I'd call the surgeon's office first thing Monday morning and ask to speak with the surgeon's nurse.  It is wonderful that your note is en route but even a 2-3 day time frame can mean surgery cases dropped/added to the schedule and you need them to know ASAP about your financial "priority" situation.  It can be difficult to get a case added to a surgeon's schedule so you want them to have as many days as possible to work on it!!
GOOD LUCK!!!
Anne

I can help you with how COBRA works... can we share phone numbers here?  This is what I do for a living...  heres the basics

if he lost his job due to downsizing, restructuring, anything like that, they have to offer you the stimulus plan where you pay 35% IF THEY HAVE 20 or more employees...

COBRA provides you the exact same plan and coverage as the insurance you had on the day he was termed, for 18 months.

Again, I can help you wade through the red tape, there are  a lot of urban legends and myths on COBRA.... 

let me know if you want to discuss specifics... I have been an HR person for 15+ years and admister COBRA all day long... : )

Maria

Well, I got a message back from the NP that works with Dr. O. She said HE doesn't have any openings, but she will check with the OR scheduler and see. Then she'd talk to Dr. O to see about moving my date up.

/sigh. At least I tried!