COBRA, HIPAA, and Special Enrollment (Dependent)

[Guest Guazi]

I had health insurance through my father that was recently terminated as I reached the age of 26. I understand that someone is eligible for Special Enrollment because of this - my question is - who is eligible?

The reason I ask this is because the COBRA payment is too high for me - I would like to change it to a different plan. Can I use this special enrollment privilege to change the benefit level - or is this only something that my father can do for his plan? I have not yet elected to receive COBRA if this matters.

Thanks for your help.

[GMK]

This article may clear things up regarding special enrollments:

http://www.familiesusa.org/assets/pdfs/spe...opportunity.pdf

Generally, special enrollments are for enrolling in a plan for which you are eligible, but where you did not previously enroll for one of the reasons listed in the article.

You may be eligible for a low-income insurance program through the state in which you live, but it appears that COBRA is probably your only available option under your father's plan.

[Chaz]

Under COBRA, you can only elect to continue the same coverage that you had before the qualifying event (i.e., turning 26). If your father's company offers an open enrollment period for employees (this is usually done before the beginning of the year), you will be able to change your plan at that time.