What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? New Jersey
Hi,
I was employed in NJ and let go in August of 2009. Since then I have relocated to Florida. When I was let go from my employer in 2009, I opted to keep my insurance coverage under Cobra law which (at the time) allowed continuation for an 18 month period. I sent my checks in a timely manner. This month was supposed to be my last month of coverage of the 18 month period and I noticed my former employer did not cash my check at the usual discounted rate. When I contacted them to make sure they received my check, I was advised they have received my check and would not cash it. They also advised me that the Cobra law had changed back in October and subsidized coverage is now only offered for 15 months. I received no notification of this change previously and my checks in the reduced rate amount have been cashed since October with the exception of this month (January). Now my former employer has requested a large sum of money to make up the difference in the premium cost since October.
This seems unfair. Considering I'm unemployed, had I known in advance I would have to pay the premium amount I would have discontinued coverage as the cost truly exceeds what I can afford to pay. Also, how do I know if what they are claiming their monthly insurance payments are to be the actual amount they are paying? Do I have a right to some type of documentation from their insurance agent?
I contacted a representative with the department of labor and he advised me that I could ask for a refund on the checks I sent dating back to October. If I do this he also suggested any insurance costs (Dr. Visits, prescriptions, etc.) within that time and now, I would most likely be responsible for.
Considering I was previously under the impression all was "normal" and my reduced rate checks were being cashed, I indeed made a few visits to the Dr. The cost of these visits would most likely exceed what my employer is asking me to pay them back.
I'm not sure what I should do at this point. Do I have any rights?
Hi,
I was employed in NJ and let go in August of 2009. Since then I have relocated to Florida. When I was let go from my employer in 2009, I opted to keep my insurance coverage under Cobra law which (at the time) allowed continuation for an 18 month period. I sent my checks in a timely manner. This month was supposed to be my last month of coverage of the 18 month period and I noticed my former employer did not cash my check at the usual discounted rate. When I contacted them to make sure they received my check, I was advised they have received my check and would not cash it. They also advised me that the Cobra law had changed back in October and subsidized coverage is now only offered for 15 months. I received no notification of this change previously and my checks in the reduced rate amount have been cashed since October with the exception of this month (January). Now my former employer has requested a large sum of money to make up the difference in the premium cost since October.
This seems unfair. Considering I'm unemployed, had I known in advance I would have to pay the premium amount I would have discontinued coverage as the cost truly exceeds what I can afford to pay. Also, how do I know if what they are claiming their monthly insurance payments are to be the actual amount they are paying? Do I have a right to some type of documentation from their insurance agent?
I contacted a representative with the department of labor and he advised me that I could ask for a refund on the checks I sent dating back to October. If I do this he also suggested any insurance costs (Dr. Visits, prescriptions, etc.) within that time and now, I would most likely be responsible for.
Considering I was previously under the impression all was "normal" and my reduced rate checks were being cashed, I indeed made a few visits to the Dr. The cost of these visits would most likely exceed what my employer is asking me to pay them back.
I'm not sure what I should do at this point. Do I have any rights?