student with question about COBRA and new health care law

[Guest BB12]

I have a question about COBRA insurance.

I am a 22 year old graduate student, about to turn 23 (in October). I am insured by Mom's company, a large corporation. They will stop insuring me at the end of October because I will have turned 23. My understanding is that at the end of October, I will be eligible for COBRA. Furthermore, my understanding is that at the beginning of 2011, my Mom's company will be required to provide me coverage again because of the new health care law.

What would be the consequences of going without coverage from the end of October until January, 2011? If it turned out I needed medical care, could I sign up for COBRA at the last minute?

[leevena]

You should inquire at your mom's company. Some companies are keeping students on because they do not want to go to through the hassle of dis-enrolling a student only to re-enroll them shortly thereafter.

[Chaz]

In general, under COBRA, you generally have 60 days from the date that your coverage ends to elect COBRA and then have 45 days to make the initial COBRA premium payment. If your coverage ends on October 31, then you will have until the end of December to make the election. If you need medical care before 2011, you are permitted to elect COBRA retroactively.

But leevena makes a good point; your company make have decided to continue coverage for the remainder of the year for individuals in your circumstances.