Medical Insurance Terminated

[sunshinegrl89]

What is the name of your state? New Jersey

Recieved notification on Sept 22, that as of Sept 14, 2006 - our medical insurance had been terminated. The "employer" was a family member - and consisted of an arrangement / agreement (verbal of course) between us.

Does the law require that I be notified "X" amount of days prior to cancelleation? What is the proper procedure for Cobra Benefits? Does the current policy get expired - and then 're-activated' when the Cobra paperwork goes through?

I was diagnosed with a pretty significant health situation on Sept 15th , 2006 - and Im am very concerned about "pre-existing' conditions when trying to get my insurance re-instated.

Appreciate any information you can give me.

Thanks
CindyWhat is the name of your state?

 

[moburkes]

Do you work for this person? Are you an employee? If so, how many employees are there? Are you able to get coverage through your spouse? More information is needed. Who pays for the coverage?

 

[sunshinegrl89]

I held a Contractors LIcense for him, in exchange - he paid my family's medical. My husband (was working for him) decided to start his own company - and hence, 'bad feelings' were generated. As soon as he had somone new to cover his company and hold license - he terminated the benefits.

 

[moburkes]

So, you never worked for him? I really don't understand the relationship. Was he your employer? Yes or no?

 

[cbg]

If the entire policy has been cancelled, as in, no one is covered on the policy at all, then COBRA does not apply.

 

[moburkes]

That's why this is so confusing. It doesn't even appear that OP is an employee. It appears that OP did favor for family member, so family member, in turn paid for OP's premiums. How does it look to you?

 

[cbg]

To be honest, I have no idea. But the poster asked how COBRA would work and if the policy would be reactivated to provide COBRA benefits. It won't. If the policy has been completely cancelled, there is no COBRA. COBRA does not apply when the entire policy is no longer in existance. COBRA only allows for continuation of existing benefits when the policy is still in effect but the employee is no longer eligible to be covered on it.

 

[moburkes]

Absolutely, I'm not knocking your response at all. I'm thinking, though, that this isn't even a workplace insurance policy. Individual policies don't have COBRA.

 

[cbg]

You could be right.

I think we need more info from the poster.

 

[sunshinegrl89]

technically I was never an employee. My husband was an employee - I simply held a license for him (the Emloyer, my cousin) to contract. In lieu of being paid money for this service, it was agreed that we would be given a family medical insurance plan.

I recieved a letter, on Sep 22 - stating due to the employement status change within his company - our medical insurance was terminated on Sept. 14th. If we wanted to continue our benefits - complete forms, and remit a check payable to his company for the premium.

What I am questioning is - can they "terminate" the benefit - notify me in 'hindsight' that this was done - ???

 

[moburkes]

It sounds like there is still coverage. They are required to give you an opportunity to continue coverage at your own expense. It appears that this is a small group policy. Now, if you continue coverage, and submit the paperwork ASAP, it will be retroactive.

 

[sunshinegrl89]

Thank you