Question:
How long is COBRA good for?

I have a consultation scheduled for September 22, 2003 and I have BCBS/PPO of Illinois, but I am currently hearing through the grapevine that there will be lay-offs at my job, my question is if that should happen, can I continue my benefits and if so how long? Because I probably could get a public aid card, but I was informed that my wait would be even longer, because of the high demand for the procedure. Any input, PLEASE?    — Tanya F. (posted on June 24, 2003)

June 24, 2003
18 months
   — bethybb

June 24, 2003
Cobra coverage is 18 months BUT remember during that time you are paying for both your cost of coverage PLUS what your employer would of paid too. When we had COBRA we paid $400 a month for the two of us for Kaiser compared to $100 that we had been paying thru the employer. It was worth every penny because we couldn't be without medical insurance but we were floored when we learned the total cost for us each month. I hope your job is not affected if there are layoffs. Wishing you the best.
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 24, 2003
And most important, DO NOT MISS A PAYMENT. I have read very recently on this board someone that missed and or was late on a payment and they lost coverage. You will not be able to re-instate it after this happens. I hope you remain safe and sound in your job. E
   — Elizabeth ..

June 24, 2003
yes, you have up to 18 months to 'cobra' your insurance... and, yes, if you DO 'cobra', don't even THINK of paying the premiums late. a late payment is seen as the same as a missed payment, and either of them will void your contract, permanently. also, a bit of advice.... find out WHO the carrier is, which isn't necessarily the insurer... in my case, empire bcbs ppo (marriott) when 'cobraed', we wound up dealing with not one, but TWO carriers (sequentially -- one sold the contract to the other, without any notice being sent to policy holders....)... and the advance payment of $1,500 for the three months we paid up front was being volleyed about. i had a few nervous days there. be proactive and find out WHO will be covering you. and document every contact. i found that my fax machine was most useful in proving that a money order had, indeed, been sent out, among other confusions. also, just a suggestion, but money orders, certified checks, and/or credit card/debit card payments (on the phone, or the internet) seem to be the least likely to produce hassles.... good luck
   — tuxedoll

June 24, 2003
We pay $540/mo for cobra through Cigna. My husband's went out on disability from his last job and is now on long term disability. Cobra is from them. His former employer told us that he can collect it for 18 months, 29 months if he remains disabled.
   — RoxanneF