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Q:  I will be 61 in June. I have several medical problems besides asthma. The first part of the year I lost my coverage medical insurance since they cut my hours down to about 20 hours.  My husband is 70 years old and has not been able to work for 8 years because of his health. I really need medical insurance. I have no pharmacy insurance and no dental insurance and my husband also has no pharmacy or dental insurance but it would help out if I could get the cheaper COBRA rate they are offering people? Would that be possible?

A:  COBRA contains provisions giving certain former employees, retirees, spouses and dependent children the right to temporarily continue their health coverage at group rates. Your employer is required by law to offer you the continuation of their group health policy for up to 18 months if there are more than 20 employees. You will need to request a COBRA packet from your employer, sometimes the HR dept or benefits manager. They will send you an election form in the mail (they have 45 days to send it) for you to complete. Once you complete this form and return it with in 60 days, your insurance will be retro-active to your last day of employment.  You will not have any lapse or gap in coverage. If you are looking for information on the stimulus package and how it will affect your COBRA coverage, you should contact the Federal Department of Labor, they regulate the COBRA law.  The department of labor’s phone number is 866-444-3272 or visit their website at www.dol.gov

You should seriously consider continuing your health benefits under COBRA if you...

·         have had comprehensive benefits and don't mind paying more for them.

·         want continual, guaranteed coverage at a higher cost.

·         have had recent health problems.

·         have had ongoing health problems.

·         are taking expensive medications.

·         have been declined for private insurance recently.

·         have a history of medical problems.

·         had an accident within the 60 day window of enrollment.

·         are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.