NFT: Stopgap Health Insurance

but fairly certain that COBRA can be activated retroactively.

So, if you only have 1 month, it's best just to forego insurance and then if you need it you can backpay the Cobra premiums

In comment 13474126 Jerz44 said:

Quote:

but fairly certain that COBRA can be activated retroactively. So, if you only have 1 month, it's best just to forego insurance and then if you need it you can backpay the Cobra premiums

That's what HR told me (just about the only thing productive from my exit interview). That's likely what I'll have to do and know that I should have the premium set aside in case the worst happens.

through a company called Coast to Coast Agents that amounted to about $99 a month - but there was an upfront payment involved and I have no idea if they offer coverage where you live.

You won't be penalized for the gap unless it exceeds 3 months though, if holding out is an option.

I'll check them out. It would be 30 days only so I won't have to worry about penalties.

tax. They didn't ding me last year for missing 2 months when I changed jobs.

for just 1 month. Just look both ways before you cross the street until your new plan kicks in.

What a lot of people do is keep the COBRA paperwork handy in case they have a serious illness or injury. If you do, you sign up for COBRA and you're covered retroactively.

In comment 13474126 Jerz44 said:

Quote:

but fairly certain that COBRA can be activated retroactively. So, if you only have 1 month, it's best just to forego insurance and then if you need it you can backpay the Cobra premiums

+3

Did this for 2 months when my wife and I had our 2nd child. We were under her insurance plan and lost her coverage after 4 months on maternity leave. Under Obamacare, you can have a gap in insurance for 3 months with no penalty. Since Cobra is retroactive, we went without insurance for 2 months and the expenses for healthy dr visits made much more sense to pay out of pocket. Good luck.

I feel much better about this.