Comments on: Finally My Cobra Coverage Questions Answered

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 02:58:48 +0000

Thanks for the comment Susan. Way I look at it, being a prick is a pre-existing condition also, so maybe some of these customer service reps shouldn’t get coverage either.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 02:57:57 +0000

Thanks for your comment Michael. I have asked for a Certificate of Continous Coverage from all of my insurers as well, it was one of the first things that I was told by a d-blogger way back when. I appreciate the advice.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 02:56:13 +0000

Thanks for your comment Shannon. I was very afraid of the costs of Cobra when I knew I was going to have to pay for it. Fortunately, Mr. Obama signed some bill, don’t remember the name of it off the top of my head, but basically, it requires your former employer to pay 65% of your monthly costs. So, long story short, I am paying just over $100 / month for insurance. I can’t beat that at all.

I’m so used to not speaking to friendly customer service reps either, so it is very weird. I was very lucky for 3 years to not have to pay for supplies really, so I wasn’t too sure how it was. I’m not going to stress about it at all because I know in the end it will all work out.

By: Susan Marshall

Susan Marshall — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:25:20 +0000

Your COBRA cost includes the amount of money your former employer was paying for you.
Generally, you start paying the first month after you are terminated, for example, if you are terminated on Dec.3, your first payment would be due Jan. 1.

Don’t allow a lapse in coverage, because when you start insurance again, the pre-existing condition clause kicks in.

By: Michael Hoskins

Michael Hoskins — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:11:04 +0000

Chris: You may already know this and be good, but I’ve always made sure to have an actual letter or Certificate of Continuous Coverage from EVERYONE that has provided me with insurance. Specifically, saying when it BEGAN and when it ended, so that there’s no confusion from anyone. This not only becomes necessary when trying to get on new coverage, and proving you’ve had no lapses previousoly, but also when arguing over long-submitted claims that should have been paid two years ago but for whatever reason didn’t, and now you’re getting billed for full cost. I’ve had insurers try to tell me before that I wasn’t covered for something, and then they’ve backtracked and covered the claim when I provided this documentation showing my specific dates of coverage that they’d given to me in writing. Always helps to be prepared.

By: Shannon

Shannon — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:15:35 +0000

I had to use Cobra once and it was horribly expensive. I hope that between the $1000 deductable, high premiums, and $2000 ceiling, you’re not paying more than you would without insurance.

T1 Diabetes is so expensive. I could own a vacation home for the amount of money I’ve paid for D-supplies.

I haven’t spoken to a helpful, friendly customer service agent in I don’t know how long. I’m jealous of your recent experience!