Question:
Can the surgery be approved if you are on COBRA due to a layoff?

I have all my ducks in a row....I have been approved in the past but am waiting for the right doc......I need to keep my COBRA coverage until June '03. Am I just waisting my money or will the surgery still be allowed? BC?BSof TX PPO....I have been appoved previously but cant get the good doc until FEB> Bummer...Help    — j S. (posted on August 1, 2002)

August 1, 2002
YES! I did it. I was laid off last July and I had my surgery on 5/30/02. I wondered the same thing. I told my surgeon up front that I did not have much time left on my COBRA so he scheduled me as soon as he could. I started my process in 3/02 my ins. ran out today. So if you have only a couple of months left let your Dr. know and maybe he can get the ball rolling for you. good luck kellie harris.
   — kellie H.

August 1, 2002
COBRA isn't a type of coverage, it's mearly a law that requires employers to offer you an extension of current group coverage if you are terminated. Once you leave employement, you are given the option to keep your coverage in effect by paying the full premium, plus a small adminstrative fee. If you've been approved while you're actively working, nothing will change once you go on COBRA - just make sure to keep up your premium payments!!!!!!
   — Rosario T.

August 1, 2002
I work in paying claims. Being on COBRA should have no effect at all. If the company covers it under normal eligibility, there should be no problem on COBRA.
   — lharbison

August 1, 2002
My husband lost his job while I was in the midst of being approved...I continued on COBRA and had no trouble whatsoever..it's still the same insurance, you are just paying it a different way. I had my surgery Feb 11 2002 and in fact, am still on COBRA. Good luck!
   — Jennifer G.

August 1, 2002
I had my surgery on July 17, 2002 under Cobra. I was terminated on 6/25/02, and my only concern was that there would be a delay in the paper work and there would be adminstrative delays. I immediately filled out my Cobra forms and paid 2 months in advance on the day of my termination. My surgery went through just fine, but when I went to get a refill of my pain medicine last week, the pharmicists said my insurance had been cancelled. I immediately called my benefits dept. and got it straightened out. whoooooooooo. My surgery was covered under 2 insurance policies and the 2nd one ended on 7/25 due to the finalization of my divorce. I barely made it under the wire, but I made it...... Sorry so long. Happy Losing, Marian
   — Marian K.

August 3, 2002
I am on COBRA, have been since Middle of June, and will be having my surgery in 5 days, however, COBRA prescription benefits SUCK in CA, don't know about where you are. The bene's don't change, but it takes them 2 months to get you into the system.
   — Heather K.