Question:
Bellsouth Insuranace with COBRA

I currently work for a company and pay for the insurance that covers the WLS...but if i leave the company and continue my insurance thru the COBRA program will that affect my getting approval for the WLS ?? Please let me know any and all experince with this type of situation . thanks    — Shala M. (posted on January 10, 2003)

January 10, 2003
Hi! I worked for Lucent and was laid off 4 months before my surgery. I did not have pre-approval at that point, and I took the COBRA healthcare. They can not deny you on COBRA, you have the same coverage you had as an employee except now YOU will be paying the entire premium, not the company. I was approved on COBRA, and in fact, most times the folks that are approving it do not even know you are on COBRA. There is only a difference in who is paying for it. Make sure your payments are UP TO DATE though, as they will drop you like a hot potato if you are late on a payment (once again, this is the employer, not the insurer) Renee D
   — Renee D.

January 10, 2003
I have COBRA, too. I was not approved for surgery yet before I got COBRA, it was after. I have had ZERO problems with COBRA. Just make sure you pay on time. Mine is $450. a month for just me without dental. I have paid for three months and am waiting for a surgery date. Best wishes.
   — Marcy G.

January 11, 2003
Hi, I work for an insurance company, and, as long as you pay and keep your premiums up-to-date you have the exact same benefits as before. You shouldnt have any problems at all. :) Good luck! Mary
   — Merry I.

January 11, 2003
Under COBRA, you are supposed to get the exact same coverage as you had before you left your job. If you currently qualify for surgery, you should qualify after you take COBRA. For more information about COBRA, hunt around on the US Dept of Labor Website, under the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration. Most of the information is written in plain English (except the actual statute and possibly the regulations). Let me know if you need help finding the information.<br> Good luck,Beth
   — Beth S.

January 11, 2003
Make sure you are eligible for COBRA. It is not available if you just quit the job you have. I am pretty sure it is only available if you are laid off. Here is the website for information on COBRA. http://www.cobrainsurance.com/COBRA_Law.htm
   — garw