takeover COBRA group and possible change in insurance

[Guest Compliance questioner]

I'm with a TPA that does COBRA.

We have a new group coming on 12/1 and they have 3 people currently on COBRA. One of the 3 left of very bad terms and is very antagonistic.

The group wants to put in a new health benefit on 12/1, but needs all the health apps in to get a quote, amd Mr. Grumpy won't get in the app. If the price ends up being too high, they will stay with the old benefit. (I don't know if they have renewal rates for that group or not.)

The group sent Mr. Grumpy the application via certified mail. He held onto it past the deadline, but says he just mailed it back, and it's starting to go over the "typical" mailing time from his location.

The group wants to kick him off for being un cooperative, which I don't think they can do.

My bigger concern is the rates before the plan year/determination period, which they won't be able to get a quote before 12/1. Any ways around this?

Mara