Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and the Yahoo Answers website is now in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.

JJ
Lv 5
JJ asked in Business & FinanceInsurance · 8 years ago

COBRA effective dates?

I am getting ready to leave my current employer who will terminate my health coverage effective my last day. My new company will start my insurance on my first day, but there is a gap in between of 1 week. If something happens, can I retroactively purchase COBRA or is that something that must be purchased before my current coverage lapses?

If it matters, I am in Wisconsin.

Thanks in advance interwebs!

3 Answers

Relevance
  • 8 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    COBRA notification and effective dates:

    1. Within 14 days after termination your employer must notify you of your rights under COBRA.

    2. Within 60 days after your termination, you have the right to elect COBRA coverage (retroactive to the date of termination).

    3. Within 45 days after you elect coverage, you must pay the entire premium due

    So, your strategy is as follows:

    a) Do nothing between your termination date and your new job date.

    b) Elect coverage ONLY IF you need coverage. You will know this within one week.

    c) Pay premium due upon election of coverage.

  • 8 years ago

    You can purchase it retroactively. This is not really ethical, but the law says it is allowed.

    The one problem is that if the "something" that happens leaves you in a coma or otherwise incapable of remembering to purchase the COBRA.

  • Anonymous
    4 years ago

    whether this might artwork, which I doubt, do no longer try it. Any ruin in coverage, whether the hollow is merely 3 months, will provide the coverage organisation an excuse to no longer pay for scientific look after something that it calls a "preexisting" concern for the 1st 12-18 months after coverage resumes. procuring a coverage for a quick volume of time in the time of which you do no longer use that's a lots extra appropriate deal than procuring coverage for a lots longer time in the time of which you're technically lined however the coverage organisation won't pay for issues.

Still have questions? Get your answers by asking now.