Question:
Do you have to keep your same ins. under COBRA

My husband recently retired from his job and the ins. that he had will not cover the surgery, will COBRA allow him to change insurance policies(I may have found a ins. that will pay for the surgery........Thanks    — mischief85 (posted on June 25, 2002)

June 25, 2002
Stephanie, My experience with COBRA yes you have to keep the same insurance Co. as you had when COBRA kicks in. GOOD LUCK!
   — Angie H.

June 25, 2002
COBRA allows you to continue in the same group ins. So, no, it doesn't allow you to change insurance companies. The cost of COBRA is so high you could probably get private insurance of your choosing anyway. But I would take the COBRA until you actually get approved for a new insurance, as that could be a problem for any number of reasons.
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 25, 2002
Yes and no. COBRA is simply a continuation of your existing group insurance. However, if the company offers Open Enrollment to it's employees, then by law the same Open Enrollment option must be offered to COBRA participants. During Open Enrollment you may change insurance plans BUT, you may only elect plans that are offered to you by the employer/COBRA administrator, you cannot elect a plan outside of what is offered to you.
   — Rosario T.

June 25, 2002
To weigh in on the COBRA costs thing (pun fully intended). There should be a section in your plan booklet covering COBRA details including the good advice regarding open enrollment. The cost of COBRA to you is directly related to the cost of the same coverage to the employer. If your employer provides an HMO plan, or a really GOOD PPO/POS, then it's going to cost you alot, if your employer (like mine) provides only a basic PPO, then your costs will be less. In california, COBRA costs the individual only 2% more than it costs the employer. For example, my employer paid 150/month, and my COBRA costs are 153/month. Basically during the time you're eligble for coverage the provider (usually your employer) must offer you exactly the same options they offer to other employees who are still working.
   — Heather K.

June 26, 2002
In general, you can't change insurance companies under COBRA. To be absolutely sure check with the human resources person at your husband's place of employment.
   — Tonya C.

June 26, 2002
You may be somewhat confused. Typically COBRA is not available at retirement, it is usually available at termination. You really need to contact your husbands employer and talk with the person who in charge of retirement benefits.
   — Tonya C.

June 29, 2002
You are right Tonya--he resigned, he did not retire. Thanks for pointing that out to me.
   — mischief85