Quitting my job and COBRA

[Guest frank516]

I'm quitting my job, without giving 2 weeks notice, due to management abuses: ("gross misrepresentations" in interviews; "stiffing" employees leaving for sick days used, and vacation days used (by changing the formula used in calculating days earned); and finally the verbal abuse (you'd think you were in the Marines, except Management has no Honor)....

If I quit, and don't give two weeks notice, Can I get COBRA coverage?

Do loopholes exist which they might be able to use to deny me coverage?

Thank you,

Frank (BTW, I live in New York...)

[stephen]

I'm not sure about the two weeks notice and it's relationship to the COBRA coverage.

However, when you get your COBRA notice pay close attention to the dates listed in the notice and pay your premium no later than the timeframe listed. In your situation it may be a good idea to send the payments via certified mail so you have proof as to when the payments were mailed. If the payment is late the employer can deny the coverage.

Also note COBRA is not required for small employers.

[Mary C]

Frank -

the only "loophole" where your former employer does not have to offer you COBRA was if you were discharged for gross misconduct (which is not defined in the COBRA regs) but can include non-compliance with company code of conduct, flagrant disregard for personnel policies (especially safety policies). But I don't think leaving without notice would stand up as gross misconduct.

[Steve72]

Also, make sure your employer is bound by COBRA. Smaller employers (less than 20 employees) are not required to comply with Federal COBRA requirements, although there may be parallel state laws.