After COBRA runs out

After COBRA runs out

LinuxSaves	9/29/2004 6:12:48 PM
I'm posting this here although it's not really a 'legal' question, but I couldn't think of anywhere else to post it! :-) 1) Is the limit on COBRA 18 months? I seem to recall hearing that it could be extended for up to 36 months, but I'm not sure. 2) What happens when COBRA runs out? I've been continuously covered by group health insurance plans for 25+ years. Over the past year I've been unable to work due to a string of separate health issues. I only have about 6 months left (if the limit is 18 months) on COBRA. I've contacted several insurance companies including Humana, Blue Cross, and Aetna, inquiring about individual health plans, and every one of them said they couldn't offer me coverage due to my health problems. I've always been under the impression that as long as one has been CONTINUOUSLY covered by health insurance, you're guaranteed the ability to transfer coverage to another plan. Any help or advice will be most appreciated. -- Anti-Bush/Pro-Kerry bumper stickers: www.cafeshops.com/saproducts/228357 1000 reasons NOT to vote for Bush: www.thousandreasons.org/listB.html Bush or chimp? See the similarities!: www.bushorchimp.com/pics.html Dogs hate Shrub, too: www.dogshatebush.com



"Arthur L. Rubin"	9/29/2004 11:33:18 AM
LinuxSaves wrote: I'm posting this here although it's not really a 'legal' question, but I couldn't think of anywhere else to post it! :-) 1) Is the limit on COBRA 18 months? I seem to recall hearing that it could be extended for up to 36 months, but I'm not sure. If you are considered disabled within 45 days of the start of the COBRA coverage, it can run for 39 months, although the last 21 are at 150% of cost. If you become ineligible for the insurance because of a status change (i.e., a divorce), it can run up to 36 months. 2) What happens when COBRA runs out? In California, you can get state-mandated coverage. I don't know about other states -- although HIPAA has some provisions for continuing coverage after COBRA runs out.



LinuxSaves	9/30/2004 11:07:42 PM
Arthur L. Rubin wrote: LinuxSaves wrote: In California, you can get state-mandated coverage. I don't know about other states -- although HIPAA has some provisions for continuing coverage after COBRA runs out. Thanks for the info. Ironically, I'm from California but have been living out of state, in Texas, with plans to move back home soon. I have an attorney that I hired to deal with all the worker's comp related issues after my first injury, and although his specialty is worker's comp I did ask him about the COBRA issue. To the best of his knowledge there are no provisions under Texas law for situations like mine where a person exhausts their COBRA coverage. But since this is not his area of expertise, I would like to get a definitive answer. Is there a reliable source you would recommend? Assuming that I move back to CA before COBRA runs out, will I be able to get the state-mandated coverage there? I just can't imagine being without health insurance...but time's running out on COBRA and it's starting to look that way. -- Anti-Bush/Pro-Kerry bumper stickers: www.cafeshops.com/saproducts/228357 1000 reasons NOT to vote for Bush: www.thousandreasons.org/listB.html Bush or chimp? See the similarities!: www.bushorchimp.com/pics.html Dogs hate Shrub, too: www.dogshatebush.com

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