An associate of mine was laid off, and was told that COBRA was available for $472 month...

[tofuandbeer]

The company cut off their insurance a week before the layoffs, and said because they are being offered COBRA (at $472 per month), ACA (Obamacare) will not be available to them.

Is this true???

Because HR also told him he should sign up for welfare—but he shot back at them that he knew he was able to sign up for unemployment.

Anyone know about COBRA not making someone able to accept ACA?

Thanks.

[melody]

1. They're full of crap

We have COBRA coverage. We elected to stay with our current coverage, but Covered California was open to us.

[tofuandbeer]

11. Thanks melody. I'm thinking now they told him for now he can only have COBRA

because ACA doesn't kick in until 2014. I didn't think of that. TU!

[Tx4obama]

2. ACA (Obamacare) coverage doesn't start until January 2014. Perhaps that's why they said that??? n/t

[tofuandbeer]

7. Thank you! That's probably what it was. I'll let him know.

[Fridays Child]

3. Here's your answer.

https://www.healthcare.gov/what-if-i-currently-have-cobra-coverage/

[Sunlei]

5. That answers OP Cobra questions, thanks for posting.

from the healthcare.gov website.

Can I drop COBRA and get Marketplace coverage instead and qualify for lower costs based on my income?

Yes. You can drop your COBRA coverage and get a plan in the Health Insurance Marketplace during the open enrollment period. Coverage can begin as early as January 1, 2014. Open enrollment ends March 31, 2014.

When you apply for a Marketplace plan, you may qualify for lower costs on monthly premiums or out-of-pocket costs. This will depend on your household size and income. With the same application you’ll also find out whether you qualify for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

It’s important not to let your COBRA coverage end before your Marketplace plan begins. Otherwise there will be a gap in your coverage.

[tofuandbeer]

8. Thank you!

[cui bono]

4. I don't think that's true, unless they meant until Jan. 2014, when ACA kicks in.

I'm on COBRA since I didn't work enough union hours this last year. If I don't get enough union hours under my belt by the time ACA is going to kick in I'm going to look into ACA. I elected to stay with the same plan I was on through the union since I didn't have time to look into other plans. When I opted to do COBRA I was told by my union's health and welfare office that I could change to something else any time I wanted.

[tofuandbeer]

9. Yeah, I'm thinking they meant until it kicks in. Thanks for the reply!

[Laelth]

6. Useful information. k&r for exposure. n/t

-Laelth

[tofuandbeer]

10. Thanks everyone! I'm letting him know the great information here. Have a G8 WEEKEND!