Life After COBRA: Options Exist, but Aren’t Automatic

COBRA , the acronym for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986, enables workers to continue briefly the employer-sponsored group health insurance that they would otherwise lose because of a change in their job status.

COBRA helps many who are in transition, but watching the calendar is crucial: are your COBRA benefits about to run out? Do you have health issues that could keep you from obtaining other health insurance on your own? Can you convert your COBRA plan to individual health insurance? If you’re insured under COBRA, you need the answers to these questions quickly–before you find yourself uninsured.

If you do have health issues, and your COBRA plan has a conversion provision in it (to purchase your own long-term policy), start the conversion wheels rolling before your COBRA coverage expires. You must personally request the conversion. It will not happen automatically. Contact your COBRA administrator for assistance.

If your COBRA health insurance plan does not contain a conversion provision, all is not lost. Current federal law allows you to apply for special “guaranteed issue” individual health insurance through a qualified health insurance broker. You’ll need a “Certificate of Creditable Coverage” from your COBRA insurance provider. Call the Member Service number on your I.D. Card to obtain the certificate. They may fax one to you if you ask for it.

Still have questions or concerns? If your COBRA coverage is near its termination date, contact me at 904-273-5704 or ksmith6288@aol.com.
Options DO exist to no insurance after your COBRA expiration, but they require your timely action now...and I can help.