COBRA limbo help

[Randypiper]

I was laid off middle of last month. My company paid insurance ended aug 31. I expect the paperwork for COBRA to come today. Does anyone know for sure if doctor's office visits are covered before COBRA is in effect? The payment is retroactive but coverage may not be. I'm getting conflicting info. Thanks

[MiniMe]

1. Yes, it is

COBRA is a continuation of your employer health insurance. You pay the premiums for the month, the doctor's visit is covered. I think you have up to 60 days to decide if you will take COBRA or not. Just be warned, COBRA is expensive. You have to pay the entire premium, and probably a month ahead. So you pay not just your usual payment, but the employers portion too.

[90-percent]

2. TARP/ARRA

Part of the recent recovery legislation is that TARP and/or ARRA will pay 65% of your COBRA costs for maybe the first nine months.

I think the applications will come in your COBRA package?

You must be on top of your COBRA. Late payments gives them an excuse to CANCEL!

-90% jimmy

[Randypiper]

3. Thanks guys but I have a specific question.

Are doctor's office visits covered before my COBRA payment is received and is in effect?

[BlueDemKev]

5. Doctor's Office Visits

Any covered service you receive before you pay your first premium (retroactive to the date your coverage ended) will be paid by your insurance company, HOWEVER you may have to pay for the service in full and then file a claim with your insurance company after the coverage goes into effect.

[BlueDemKev]

4. Yes, Absolutely it is

However, you MUST make your premium payments ON TIME (no exceptions!) or your coverage will be cancelled. Keep your insurance card that you had from your place of work. The insurance is still the same, except that you now have to pay the full premium instead of having your employer pay most of it.

Yeah, that stinks, which is why we're having a brutal battle in Congress right now....