If I change jobs or become unemployed, can I take my health insurance coverage with me?
If you switch employers, you have the right to carry your group health
insurance coverage with you to a new job for up to 18 months under the
Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA).
You must pay the full premium, but at group rates that are far cheaper
than the individual rates you would pay for similar coverage. Health
insurance under COBRA is available if you are in the following
situations:
You leave a company and become unemployed or self-employed for up to 18 months.
You are a widow or widower or child of an employee who dies while working for the same company for three years or more.
You are the divorced spouse or child of an employee who has left the company he or she was employed at for at least three years.
You are the child of an employee who left a job and have not yet reached age 23.
trouble settling my claim?
If you are unsatisfied with how your insurance company is handling your claim, you have several options:
Talk to the agent or company representative who sold you the policy Let the agent know that you are dissatisfied and explain the specifics of your problem.
Contact the claims manager of the company
Provide a written explanation of your problem with copies of supporting
documentation. Remember to send only a copy and not any original
documentation. If you are insured with a smaller company, consider
writing directly to the president. Going to the top can sometimes speed
the process.
Contact your state insurance department Insurance is a regulated industry and your state department of insurance should be able to help you resolve your problem.
Consult an attorney If you have tried all four
of the above tips and still cannot resolve the claim, you have the
option of talking to an attorney. You may have to pay a consultation fee
for your initial visit, so make sure you know how much this will cost.
Meet with an attorney who has solid references or get the name of
someone from your local bar association. Prepare for the visit by
bringing a copy of your insurance policy and other relevant documents.
Get the fee structure in writing before you decide to pursue the case.
NOTE: If you need COBRA benefits, you must fill out the appropriate
forms from your employer’s benefits department within 60 days of leaving
your job. If you do not act within that time, you may be denied
coverage.
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