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Diana63
Diana63 Member Posts: 773
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

I was wonder if anyone knew anything about Insurance for cancer survivors. I have coverage right now through Cobra but time is running out, and I need to get through school. How long do we have to wait to not put BC on our insurace forms? I heard it was 5 years, but I'm not sure. I can get a policy with my dh through self emplyment but the premiums would be to high. I need a back up plan in case they pull the rug out from under me.

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  • everyminute
    everyminute Member Posts: 1,805
    edited February 2010

    Diana - how long have you been on Cobra - I believe it was extended (is it 3 years now?)  NYS has Healthy NY which is a reasonable option - can you see if you can get anything through your state?

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  • Diana63
    Diana63 Member Posts: 773
    edited February 2010

    I have only been on it for a few months but the company I worked for are being jerks about it. I thought I was supposed to pay Cobra directly and have a caseworker or something but it is still going through my xeployer. I wish I could just get a policy for my dh and me and let this go. I am so tired of arguing with these people about the laws.

    I am almost 3 years out from my cancer dx, I wonder how long before you don't have to tell them about it? If they go by scans I am clean and clear so far.

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  • karen1956
    karen1956 Member Posts: 6,503
    edited February 2010

    Diana....I think most insurance companies still use 5 years...but you should be able to keep your COBRA for at least 18 months.  Can  you get insurance through school?

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  • everyminute
    everyminute Member Posts: 1,805
    edited February 2010
    How long does COBRA coverage last?
    COBRA establishes required periods of coverage for continuation health benefits. A plan, however, may provide longer periods of coverage beyond those required by COBRA. COBRA beneficiaries generally are eligible for group coverage during a maximum of 18 months for qualifying events due to employment termination or reduction of hours of work. Certain qualifying events, or a second qualifying event during the initial period of coverage, may permit a beneficiary to receive a maximum of 36 months of coverage.

    Coverage begins on the date that coverage would otherwise have been lost by reason of a qualifying event and will end at the end of the maximum period. It may end earlier if:

    • Premiums are not paid on a timely basis
    • The employer ceases to maintain any group health plan
    • After the COBRA election, coverage is obtained with another employer group health plan that does not contain any exclusion or limitation with respect to any pre-existing condition of such beneficiary. However, if other group health coverage is obtained prior to the COBRA election, COBRA coverage may not be discontinued, even if the other coverage continues after the COBRA election.
    • After the COBRA election, a beneficiary becomes entitled to Medicare benefits. However, if Medicare is obtained prior to COBRA election, COBRA coverage may not be discontinued, even if the other coverage continues after the COBRA election.

    Although COBRA specifies certain periods of time that continued health coverage must be offered to qualified beneficiaries, COBRA does not prohibit plans from offering continuation health coverage that goes beyond the COBRA periods.

    Some plans allow participants and beneficiaries to convert group health coverage to an individual policy. If this option is generally available from the plan, a qualified beneficiary who pays for COBRA coverage must be given the option of converting to an individual policy at the end of the COBRA continuation coverage period. The option must be given to enroll in a conversion health plan within 180 days before COBRA coverage ends. The premium for a conversion policy may be more expensive than the premium of a group plan, and the conversion policy may provide a lower level of coverage. The conversion option, however, is not available if the beneficiary ends COBRA coverage before reaching the end of the maximum period of COBRA coverage.

     

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  • everyminute
    everyminute Member Posts: 1,805
    edited February 2010

    Q17: I have heard that the Stimulus package signed by the President included a temporary COBRA premium reduction and additional enrollment opportunity. I would like more information.
    The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) provides a premium reduction to certain qualified individuals and expanded eligibility for COBRA.

    Individuals who are eligible for COBRA coverage because of their own or a family member's involuntary termination of employment that occurred from September 1, 2008 through December 31, 2009 and who elect COBRA may be eligible to pay a reduced premium amount that is only 35% of the premium costs for your COBRA coverage for up to 9 months.

    Additionally, if you were offered Federal COBRA continuation coverage as a result of an involuntary termination of employment during that time period and you either declined to take COBRA coverage at that time, or you elected COBRA and later discontinued it, you may have another opportunity to elect COBRA coverage and pay a reduced premium.

    If you have specific questions about your situation and how these new rules apply to you, you may wish to speak with one of our Benefits Advisors by calling 1.866.444.3272. You should also check the COBRA Premium Reduction FAQs.

    Q18: How can I apply for the COBRA premium subsidy?
    If you were covered by an employment-based health plan on the last day of the employee's employment, the plan should send you a notice of your eligibility to elect COBRA coverage and to receive the premium reduction. The notice should include any forms necessary for enrollment. You may also want to contact your employer directly to ask about getting the premium reduction.

    If you have specific questions about your situation and how these new rules apply to you, you may wish to speak with one of our Benefits Advisors by calling 1.866.444.3272. You should also check the COBRA Premium Reduction FAQs

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  • everyminute
    everyminute Member Posts: 1,805
    edited February 2010

    http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_consumer_cobra.HTML

    Diana - Cobra is probably your best bet - especially if you are eligible for the 35% federal subsidy. Once you know how much the insurance costs you should be able to just send your former employer a check each month (registered mail - reciept requested if you are concerned about them doing something silly)

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  • Diana63
    Diana63 Member Posts: 773
    edited February 2010

    I have been hand delivering it, and I always take someone with me. They have been jerks about it from the start. I know the insurance co. will keep my husband but they will drop me like a hot potato. I cant get coverage through school, its only a month long program. I am just concerned I wont find a job before my insurance laps, I think its 90 days or something. Thank you for all of the information I will keep checking. Maybe the check will clear by tomorrow.

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