Georgia "mini" COBRA

[allfiredup]

I live and work in Georgia.

I am in the process of finding a new job and will be leaving my employer of three years. Based on my experience, previous voluntary (quit) separations have been very nasty. In particular, the president and vp of the company take offense to anyone wanting to leave the company and have done some unethical things in retaliation.

I'm preparing for the worst. I know I'll probably have to wait 30-60 days for insurance coverage to kick in at a new employer. We are a small company, 17 employees total not counting me, so federal COBRA law doees not apply. Georgia has a "mini" COBRA that must be offered for three months.

I know they have never offered this coverage to any separated employees (fired or quit) even though our insurance agent made the officers of the company aware of it over two years ago. I'm thinking my best bet is to send an email to my boss immediately after I give my notice stating that I will require this coverage at my expense. If they balk, what state agency would be able to assist me and would I legally be able to force them to do so?

Thanks!

 

[somarco]

If you want to take up your case with the GA DOI, you can, but don't expect a quick response. Sometimes it takes them months to investigate and respond to consumer inquiries. Repeated violatoin reports get the highest priority.

If you are insurable, and have no pre-ex conditions, you might be better off with a STM (short term medical) plan. These are inexpensive, can be issued in 24 hours and are ideal for most situations. In GA these plans are considered creditable coverage.

 

[allfiredup]

Short Term Medical is a possibility

If you want to take up your case with the GA DOI, you can, but don't expect a quick response. Sometimes it takes them months to investigate and respond to consumer inquiries. Repeated violatoin reports get the highest priority.

If you are insurable, and have no pre-ex conditions, you might be better off with a STM (short term medical) plan. These are inexpensive, can be issued in 24 hours and are ideal for most situations. In GA these plans are considered creditable coverage.

Thanks for the info. As a last resort, I would consider the short term medical and it does seem to be rather inexpensive. The main reason I want to keep my medical thru my employer for a month or two is for the prescription coverage. Retail on the prescriptions I take monthly is about $700 and with my insurance it costs me $170. Worst case, I suppose my doctor could give me samples to get me thru until new coverage kicks in.

I'm hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst with my current employer.

Again, thanks for the info.

 

[somarco]

Under that scenario, you should opt for COBRA, bearing in mind it is only good for 3 months. You may not receive your COBRA notice until a month after your last day of coverage with your employer, so based on what you have posted, it will be your responsibility to fight for your rights.

Good luck

 

[Betty]

You are entitled to COBRA (mini COBRA) for three months. If you have a problem, you can call the Dept. of Ins. for Ga. & see if they can help you.
(404) - 656-2070 (unless # changed).