AboutLinda Woolsteen Expertise I can help you with questions about health insurance. If you feel your insurance company is mistreating you. Are they telling you they are checking eligibity, pre-existing, etc. Or you just don`t understand how your insurance works or don`t understand what a PPO is.. I can help you.
Experience
Past/Present clients One company I worked for I was the underwriter for the Academy of Medicine of Cleveland and the Ohio Bar Association. I was also a supervisor of our customer service department.
Question I am in California. Went on Cobra Nov '06 and then Cal Cobra around May '08. It is due to expire on or about Oct. 31, 2009. (36 months). My question is: if the company I worked for wants to help me out, can I continue with my current health plan via Cobra (and pay premiums myself?). I am quadriplegic from accident 3 years ago which is why I had to retire from my company. I need my current health insurance plan - it covers major medical expenses which will not be covered on any other plan. My company would be happy to help me (since I founded the company) but they think there is a hard and fast rule that 36 months is all you get on Cobra. If they knew that they could voluntarily keep me on my plan, they would be happy to do so. Thank you.
Answer Hi,
Sorry, I just know the basics of COBRA but don't feel I have enough information to answer this question.
I am not sure if you read about COBRA or not. http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_compliance_cobra.html This page should really answer any questions and if not perhaps you can email your Department of Insurance for your state.
Most people don't usually want to keep COBRA because it can be expensive and or let it lapse by not paying their premiums but in your case you want to keep it. Size of the group, etc. matters. It is used more so as a vehicle to provide you with something while you are looking for coverage or employment elsewhere, otherwise as a government, temporary solution. I do not believe it is suppose to be used as long term, nor do I think the insurance company invovled is going to want to want to be either. Usually, eligibility comes into play... like to be eligible for coverage you have to be working so many hours, etc. So, they are probably going to say COBRA time will have went to its max and then you are not eligible any longer... that is just my thought. And, then they are all probably going to try to steer you toward some kind of state insurance help.
