COBRA dropped & uninsurable...

[Guest KDixon]

COBRA just notified me today that I am uninsured - the business, which provided my group plan, went 'out of business' at the end of LAST month. COBRA is refunding my premium for the month, but understandably, I would rather have the insurance as I have been deemed "uninsurable" b/c I have a progressive, degenerative illness which is treated with very expensive drugs - hence, the option to take the COBRA and not be insured privately.

I was 9 months into what I thought was to be 18 months of coverage...and as a freelancer, have not worked at a company that offers insurance benefits since leaving my previous employer. (I work in the entertainment business in California)

What options do I have - aside from paying cash for all treatment this month- and is there any kind of notification procedure to former employees that the company that went out of business should have followed? I feel like I have been punched in the stomach. Any input is welcome.

[Steve72]

COBRA is a law which permits you to participate in your employe'rs group health plan. If the company goes out of existence, so does the group health plan. Unfortunately, that means your insurance coverage stops as well.

I would advise contacting your state department of insurance regarding "guaranteed access" insurance policies offered in your state.

Fair warning, though, "guaranteed access" does not mean guaranteed affordability.

[GBurns]

What about the entertainment union plans that are in California?

[Guest KDixon]

I'm a 'below the line' employee that isn't covered by a union!

From what I am learning, this isn't being handled by COBRA Pro correctly - no one at my insurance company has any information of me being cancelled yet, and furthermore, now it seems that the company hasn't gone out of business. Ahh, the drama -

Thank you for your reply!