Question:
Can I keep my Cobra insurance once insurance on my new job kicks in?

Those who can help, please respond to me directly. ([email protected]) I was hoping to use Cobra insurance as a secondary insurance for my surgery. But I don't know if I can keep Cobra once my new primary insurance kicks in on November 1. Is there a rule that says Cobra stops paying once there's a new primary insurer? FYI: My former employer pays my Cobra premiums for six months. After that time, (Jan. 2001), if I want to keep it, I have to pay the premium. But I don't know if keeping it is an option when my new insurance kicks in. My Cobra insurer (the insurer at my old job) is United Healthcare. My new primary insurance is Cigna PPO. Thanks so much to anyone who can help.    — Mariee H. (posted on October 1, 2001)

October 2, 2001
Our company just went thru layoffs and this was a question asked by one of the people beinglayed off. They were told that once your new insurance kicks in, you are no longer able to use COBRA. It is only a temporary fix as long as you do not have insurance. If you get a new insurance before the initial 6mos your company paid for is up, likewise you can not use it.
   — Leslie M.