Question:
Does anyone know aboout COBRA insurance?

MY husband recently got laid off friday,and we have to get insurance through COBRA.I am in the middle of fighting with the insurance CO. Can anyone give me any info? PLEASE!    — Angie H. (posted on July 1, 2001)

July 1, 2001
From what I understand about health insurance, employers are mandated by law to offer the same health insurance you (your husband) enjoyed as an employee, but you will have to pay for the premiums. There may be a six month longevity on this contract (they expect you will have acquired new group insurance elsewhere). I even think the premiums you will have to pay to continue your insurance for six months will cost a little more than if you were an employee and paying for the same coverage. Anyway, it is a good opportunity for you when you consider the alternatives (none)....but you must respond within 30 days of termination of employement.
   — Linda V.

July 1, 2001
I left my employer in March of this year, I was approved by my insurance on March 11, was mailed cobra information on the 18th. I paid for the insurance monthly and I could continue coverage for 18 months my premium was $167.00 a month. I had my surgery May 21 and the price included all my follow up visits.
   — Sandra R.

July 1, 2001
You don't need to wait on your policy to be reactivated thru COBRA before you continue to fight with the ins co for approval. I fought with them and got approval two weeks ago and my policy was just reactivated last Friday. COBRA can be very expensive, you can calculate what your monthly payments will be by adding what your husband and the company pay plus 2% for admin fees. I pay over $300 for single coverage but it's cheaper than having to pay for the surgery. Also you can elect COBRA for yourself only, even though it's your husband's policy, if you think the current coverage will be too expensive. It takes a long time between applying and reactivating the policy, between 30 and 60 days. I think if you send your payment along with the application, your policy will be reactivated in the shorter time. I did and it took 30 days. All the best.
   — dandjon

July 2, 2001
My COBRA coverage was good for 18 months. If I had chosen it through my ex-husband, it would have been good for 36 months. Check out the policy for when the term ends.
   — Allie B.