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  3. Keeping COBRA and New Employer Insurance

Can I Keep COBRA When My New Employer Offers Health Insurance?

I resigned from my job. I now have a temporary per diem position. This company does offer health insurance if I want it. Am I still eligible for COBRA?

You may not have COBRA continuation and another insurance at the same time

If your previous employer has more than 20 employees and you were on their group health policy, you would be eligible to keep your work insurance for 18 months after you stopped working there.  You may stay on COBRA as long as you do not obtain a secondary insurance plan or become covered under your new employer’s health insurance.

The federal government’s COBRA law allows workers to continue on the same plan they had when they working. It is meant to bridge the gap, with the same health benefits, until the next comprehensive, major medical health plan is available.

Don’t Miss Your Open Enrollment Period

Your new employer may not have an open enrollment period before your COBRA expires. If that’s the case,  your COBRA ending will be a special enrollment period for you to find new ACA marketplace medical insurance.  

Cancelling COBRA

You may cancel COBRA at anytime by notifying your COBRA administrator in writing.

Open Enrollment Periods

You may only start a new traditional health insurance plan during an open enrollment period. The federal open enrollment periods begins in November. Employers will have special open enrollment periods for new employees and an annual open enrollment for all workers.

How To Obtain New Health Insurance

Under the Affordable Care Act, businesses that employ 50 or more full-time workers must provide health insurance to 95% of their employees. with 50 or more full-time employees (or the equivalent in part-time employees) must provide health insurance to 95% of their full-time employees. Those that do not comply with the law face may face penalties from the IRS.

Health insurance marketplaces, both federal and private, have major medical plans available. These plans provide comprehensive coverage for surgical procedures and pre-existing conditions. Many provide a prescription medication benefit.

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