How to reinstate COBRA coverage

[JKhan1]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? VA

Fellas:
I got laid off in Dec 08 and COBRA was offered to me but I declined the coverage (since it was $1100/month) and called the administration in Mar 09 to get it canceled. I never paid premiums.
After the new law which President Obama passed in Feb 09 in which the person is responsible for 35% of premium, is there a way to get the COBRA coverage reinstated?
I believe the COBRA was active until end of Feb or Mar 09 because I was receiving bills for the coverage but in Mar I called and get it canceled. Is there a grace period during which it can be reinstated.
Please help !!

[justalayman]

Not that I am aware of. It is a one time deal.


and what law about this 35% of premium stuff? Haven't heard that one.

[ecmst12]

The stimulus bill included government contributions to cobra premiums for SOME former employees. Are you even sure that you would qualify this since you were laid off before it passed?

You have a long time to decide to elect Cobra but even if you are still within that 120 days or whatever it is exactly, you'd have to pay the premiums all the way back to your termination date. Even if you get the assistence, that's still going to be a lot of money.

[mlane58]

The OP is still eligibe. COBRA changes are now valid for people who were involuntarily terminated between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009. The OP's previous employer or their third party should have contacted them about the change and opportunity to elect COBRA.