COBRA Insurance Information Advocates

COBRA Insurance: What it is.

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Wahlgren) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:55:00 +0000

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) was established in 1986 to solve gaps in health coverage to terminated employees under certain circumstances. Mainly, it allows an employees who loses their health benefits the option to choose to continue group health benefits provided by their company group health plan for limited periods of time under certain circumstances such as voluntary or involuntary job loss, reduction in the hours worked, transition between jobs, death, divorce, and other life events.

Qualified individuals may be required to pay the entire premium for coverage up to 102 percent of the cost to the plan, making once affordable health insurance seemingly a pocket-burner. Unfortunately few can afford paying full premium on a major medical plan, which in turns steers them to supplemental coverage or a COBRA alternative.

The type of qualifying event will determine who the qualified beneficiaries are and the amount of time that a plan must offer the health coverage to them under COBRA. A plan, at its discretion, may provide longer periods of continuation coverage.

Qualifying Events for Employees:

Voluntary or involuntary termination of employment for reasons other than gross misconduct
Reduction in the number of hours of employment

Qualifying Events for Spouses:

Voluntary or involuntary termination of the covered employee's employment for any reason other than gross misconduct
Reduction in the hours worked by the covered employee
Covered employee's becoming entitled to Medicare
Divorce or legal separation of the covered employee
Death of the covered employee

Qualifying Events for Dependent Children:

Loss of dependent child status under the plan rules
Voluntary or involuntary termination of the covered employee's employment for any reason other than gross misconduct
Reduction in the hours worked by the covered employee
Covered employee's becoming entitled to Medicare
Divorce or legal separation of the covered employee
Death of the covered employee

Go to COBRA Insurance for more information or answers.

Premiums would rise; Tax credits honor the difference

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Wahlgren) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:45:00 +0000

Premiums would continue to rise even if the current reform is passed. What isn't being aknowledged in the statements that President Obama is stating about expanding premiums is the fact that the tax credits will be what saves. With annual premiums eventually leveling off, it is speculated that the tax credits would be the saving enabler.

With an estimated premium drop of $3,000, Obama stated that employers could place focus on the real issue: Salary increases.

The Associated Press: FACT CHECK: Premiums would rise under Obama plan

Decades of change acknowledged, but not all votes on hand...

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Wahlgren) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:04:00 +0000

With health care dominating headlines for the past nine months, it looks as if the trail head is approaching. President Obama made his third trip in the past week yesterday, while House Democrats continue to push for votes. In a bill that will spend over $100 billion dollars per year and wording not quite fitting for some, votes have been hard to persuade.

If passed, the changes would shock a system that has gone multiple decades without considerable changes. Outlining the ability to ensure 30 million currently uninsured American and banning refusal of coverage to those with pre-existing conditions highlights the controversial bill. Republicans condemn the bill harshly as a takeover bill that will lead to higher premiums and less consumer choice.

House heads toward close healthcare vote
| Reuters

Expect huge impact on Health Care; Regardless of vote

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Wahlgren) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:17:00 +0000

The main question proceeding actual voting on any bill is: Does the House have enough votes to pass the Senate bill and does the Senate have enough votes to pass the Reconciliation bill after that? When passing a reconciliation bill, only majority is needed. While this does enable easier passing of any legislation, it truly points out the lack of support at the Congressional level.

With President Obama postponing his out-of-country travels over the weekend, it is clear the push has begun. Through broadcasts on "Meet the Press" over the weekend, it became awfully clear that both sides are lacking votes. With the hypothetical deadline arriving, the President has made a clear statement that a decision must be given this week.

A Big Week for Health Care Reform: What Could Happen Next? - Political Hotsheet - CBS News

Senate approves COBRA subsidy

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Wahlgren) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:27:00 +0000

The U.S. Senate has approved a 15-month extension that will provide a 65% subsidy to those part of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA).

As part of the 2009 stimulus package, the subsidy extension will exceed $130 billion in funding. The bill will "...help those who have been hit the hardest," says Sen. Reid (D-Nev).

Senate approves COBRA subsidy extension through end of 2010 | IFAwebnews

How does Short-Term Medical Insurance benefit?

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Wahlgren) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:19:00 +0000

Short Term Medical insurance is designed for people who need temporary health insurance coverage for up to 12 months. It has never been easier or faster to get health insurance. With easy-to-complete, online applications and next-day coverage, you aren't stressing the unknown. In a time where many receive the Cobra Subsidy, many don't take the extra step to see what else is out there. Of course, a 65% discount sounds great, but what if you could save even more?

Whether you are:

- Between Jobs

- Looking for an affordable COBRA insurance alternative

- Recent college graduate

- Temporary or seasonal employee

- Unemployed or laid-off

- Waiting for other health insurance

- Any temporary need of health coverage

A simple accident like a broken bone or torn muscle can cost thousands of dollars. Short Term Medical insurance is often highlighted by freedom to choose provider, but added access when utilizing an in-network provider. They also contain many benefits when hospitalized or simply getting a check-up. Options could also include co-pays or co-insurance rates. Don't fear the unknown when going through hard-enough times, be aware of all of your options.

COBRA subsidy extension set for full Senate vote | Business Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Wahlgren) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:02:00 +0000

The Senate floor has now ordered a stop to debate regarding the COBRA subsidy. In doing so, it is expected that the Senate will soon vote on a 15-month extension in the coming days. The bill would extend the 65% subsidy that is due to expire on the 31st of March.

After astonishing lapse in coverage two weeks back, the Senate has moved very swiftly through debate of an extension that would benefit those terminated and left without employment. Granting a 15-month extension will immediately commit the American people to possibly more than $150 billion in spending

in a program benefiting the unemployed.

COBRA subsidy extension set for full Senate vote | Business Insurance

Obama demanding yes or no; Public support at stake

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Wahlgren) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:29:00 +0000

As President Obama made his press conference on Wednesday, March 3, wheels began to pick up the pace on both the Republican and Democratic sides. In legislation that implicates many of the same subjects that so heavily have been debated to date; the American citizens are not only showing they care by electoral upsets, but are tuning in to a news outlet in overwhelming rates.

Outlined in his speech, the President is stressing both sides of the political carpet to make a decision. Many are no longer looking for a "Super Majority", but now willing to seek a yes or no by putting the bill through reconcilliation. Enabling passing of the bill will only need a simple majority of both House and Senate. Having been used in the past, it must also be noted that every time a highly controversial bill be passed with limited support powers of congress have swung from one political party to the other.

President Urges Congress to Hold Final Vote on Health Care Soon

COBRA Stopgap Signed

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Wahlgren) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:44:00 +0000

Tuesday continued to revolve around Healthcare and COBRA subsidies. Earlier Tuesday, President Obama signed into effect a 31-day extension for the COBRA subsidy. This will extend the coverage offered to those involuntarily terminated from March 1st to the 31st. The subsidy will cover 65% of the total premium.

Currently the Senate is debating and will continue debating a piece of legislation (H.R. 4213) that will extend the subsidy until December 31, 2010. In estimates, the new bill would exceed $100 million dollars and Congress would be responsible for finding ways to fund through cuts in other spending.

Obama signs stopgap COBRA subsidy extension

COBRA Subsidy on Agenda

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Wahlgren) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:09:00 +0000

Discussion today is expected to take place in the Senate chamber that will tackle unemployment and the cobra subsidy. Sunday, the COBRA subsidy expired leaving many unemployed without the means to afford coverage. While the House soundly passing a "stopgap" subsidy, the Senate could not move to do the same.

On the Senate agenda today at 1:15 p.m., CST, is a discussion on jobs, unemployment benefits, and tax subjects. Assuming those subjects, we can expect that a discussion about the COBRA subsidy extension will be of priority.

COBRA Subsidy Expires; Unemployed Waiting

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Wahlgren) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:13:00 +0000

As the weekend came and went, so did the COBRA subsidy. Many now left to go look for temporary coverage or play a "waiting" game to see if/when the subsidy will be extended once again. Republicans search for a plan to pay for the cost before approving any legislation that will put more money towards a continually increasing national debt.

Jobless bill may get reprieve this week

COBRA extension soon in place...

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Wahlgren) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:08:00 +0000

Today the House of Representatives approved an extension of 31-days to the COBRA subsidy program. This means those being terminated after February 28th will have the subsidy available until the 31st of March, if approved by the Senate as well. As of this moment the Senate has not passed its version of the extension H.R. 1586.

House approves stopgap COBRA subsidy extension

New Jobs Bill: Addressing COBRA subsidy

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Wahlgren) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:53:00 +0000

Day by day the deadline approaches to when the COBRA premium subsidy is set to expire (February 28th, 2010). After being striped from a planned legislation proposal as part of the Patriot Act extension, a new jobs bill has been drafted. The bill would extend COBRA premium subsidies for another 10 months for those who were involuntarily terminated from their employer. Failure to extend the deadline, would mean that those laid off after March 1st would not be eligible for COBRA subsidy entitlements.

The new jobs bill will also allot more time to business owners to fulfill pension plan obligations.

New jobs bill adds COBRA subsidy extension, expansion

Reid Pushing for COBRA extension and more...

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Wahlgren) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:48:00 +0000

In similar reports Majority leader Henry Reid (D) has planned extensions for the COBRA subsidy. As details continue to be known, it looks as if Reid will be proposing a plan that will allow for a 30-day extensions of the COBRA subsidy, parts of the Patriot Act, and prevention of cuts in the Medicaid program.

Being called a "stopgap" measure, the subsidy is set to expire February 28. Cutting it very close to the deadline has already proven costly. With the date approaching many unemployment agencies have begun sending out letters that are addressing the issue.

Reid Wants COBRA Subsidy Extension, Eyes Medicaid Funds For States

COBRA Subsidy Extension Outlook: 15- to 30-Days

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Wahlgren) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:11:00 +0000

The COBRA subsidy has brought some form of stability to those laid off. While still struggling, it has enabled those who were laid off between September 1st, 2008, and December 31, 2009, to afford health insurance. About a year ago, as part of the economic stimulus bill, it allowed for those who had lost their job to receive a subsidy that would pay 65% of their premium.

While introducing legislature is much different than actually passing it, many top level democratic politicians are preparing to begin the process as early as tonight. While it most likely will not be seen as a permanent fix, it will be in the range of a 15- to 30-day extension of what is currently in place. The current subsidy is due to expire the 28th of February and many unemployment offices have already begun sending out notice letters.

COBRA Subsidy Set to Expire; Extension Not Seen as a Fix

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Wahlgren) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:51:00 +0000

Senate Majority Leader Henry Reid plans to address expiring unemployment benefits by extending a COBRA subsidy by two weeks. While those being unemployed see this as added time to finding alternative options, if still jobless by the end of the time period, unemployment office are urging a more longer extension. Seeing as benefits are processed on a weekly basis, that 15th day is foreseen as a serious conundrum to workers. Many offices have already begun sending out letters and without a more lengthy extension the plan is really being seen more of a hindrance than a help.

COBRA Subsidy Set to Expire; Extension Not Seen as a Fix

What is COBRA?

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 18:15:00 +0000

COBRA Insurance FAQ's: "What is COBRA?"

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) requires most employers with group health plans to offer employees the opportunity to continue temporarily their group health care coverage under their employer's plan if their coverage otherwise would cease due to termination, layoff, or other change in employment status (referred to as qualifying events).

QUESTION… “My child is coming off of my insurance, what do I do now?"

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 19:48:00 +0000

ANSWER
If you or your Child has recently graduated, are no longer a full time college student, gotten married, etc, and is coming off the parent’s employers group health plan, due to "loss of dependent status", Cobra would be your best option, unless you are in reasonably good health.

If you are in relatively good health with no significant pre-existing health conditions and do not reside in the states of NY, NJ, MA or VT. You may be eligible for a lower cost COBRA alternative. Click Here for COBRA Options

Cobra is a federal law, applicable in all states, allowing the continuation on your parent's employer’s group health plan, with all benefits remaining the same. All information regarding Cobra should be obtained through your parent’s employer.

For more information regarding the lower cost COBRA alternatives, please contact us at
1-877-279-7959. Click Here for COBRA Options

QUESTION... "Why is my COBRA premium so expensive?"

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 19:18:00 +0000

ANSWER
Your premiums are high because you are now paying the full medical insurance premium that your employer was paying plus an additional 5%-15% for administration of COBRA.

If you are in relatively good health with no significant pre-existing health conditions and do not reside in the states of NY, NJ, MA or VT. You may be eligible for a lower cost COBRA alternative. Click Here for COBRA Options

For more information regarding the lower cost COBRA alternatives, please contact us at 1-877-279-7959. or Click Here

QUESTION... "My insurance is ending soon and I still have not received my COBRA information."

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 18:56:00 +0000

ANSWER
The employer or their COBRA plan administrator have up to 45 days to get the information to you, once you elect to continue with the employer group plan and make payment, coverage will be issued retroactively.

If you are in relatively good health with no significant pre-existing health conditions and do not reside in the states of NY, NJ, MA or VT. You may be eligible for a lower cost COBRA alternative. Click Here for COBRA Options

For more information regarding the lower cost COBRA alternatives, please contact us at 1-877-279-7959. or Click Here

QUESTION... "How Do I Get COBRA?"

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 18:04:00 +0000

ANSWER
COBRA is not an insurance company or provider.COBRA is simply a federal law allowing a continuation of the same benefits you were receiving when you were employed, including pre-existing conditions, only now the entire premium amount is your responsibility, any questions having to do with COBRA coverage should be directed to your ex-employer or the COBRA plan administrator that the employer uses to handle their ex-employees COBRA benefits.

If you are in relatively good health with no significant pre-existing health conditions and do not reside in the states of NY, NJ, MA or VT. You may be eligible for a lower cost COBRA alternative. Click Here for COBRA Options

If you are in poor health with pre-existing health conditions. You will most likly want to elect your employers COBRA option.

For more information regarding the lower cost COBRA alternatives, please contact us at 1-877-279-7959.

COBRA Insurance Information Advocates

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 17:22:00 +0000

Hello, we will be posting COBRA questions and answers on this site to help everyone with the highly complicated task of figuring out their COBRA options.

We are the COBRA Insurance experts, and offer free COBRA consulting, via email or by phone.

If you have any questions right away please go to http://www.cobrainsurance.com/ and ask us a question or Call 1-877-279-7959 for a COBRA expert.