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  4. How Do I Pay For Medical Treatment Before COBRA Starts?

How Do I Pay For Medical Treatments During COBRA Election Process?

How do I pay for treatment and prescription drugs while waiting for the invitation to elect COBRA (can take up to 45 days)? My service provider was informed that my group health coverage was terminated and now demands much higher prices for treatment and drugs, which I have to pay in order to receive treatment. Will I be fully reimbursed later by COBRA? How can I speed up the start of COBRA coverage?

You will be reimbursed for any medical bills that you pay out-of-pocket during this period. Contact the plan administrator for more information on filing a claim for benefits. Complete plan rules are available from the employer’s benefits offices. You have no way of controlling the time it takes for you to receive the election form from your employer or their administrator. 

COBRA Covers Retroactively

When you make your first premium payment, your health coverage will be retroactive to the date that it was lost. You will have no lapse in coverage when you choose COBRA.

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COBRA Eligibility

Getting Started On COBRA

COBRA law gives the employer up to 45 days to mail you the COBRA packet from your last day of group benefits. However, once you receive the election form you should complete it and return it as soon as possible to expedite the paperwork.

Are You Eligible For COBRA?

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