Post-COBRA Coverage Status?

[Bruno]

A person I know has had Kaiser insurance for many years. He was laid off last year and is currently covered under COBRA. He has existing conditions. My question is this: after the COBRA coverage period ends, can or will Kaiser terminate his insurance for exciting conditions or raise his current COBRA rates 'significantly' higher due to existing conditions?

 

[pattytx]

Huh? After his COBRA ends, there IS no more insurance. Are you saying he is going to want to purchase a personal policy?

http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_compliance_hipaa.html

 

[Bruno]

COBRA Coverage Continuation

Huh? After his COBRA ends, there IS no more insurance. Are you saying he is going to want to purchase a personal policy?

Frequently Asked Questions about Portability of Health Coverage and HIPAA

I meant will he be able to continue the coverage he has had by paying a premium without reapplying for insurance? This would be a personal policy but without disrupting his current coverage by transiting out of COBRA. Will or can Kaiser say 'no' because of existing conditions after COBRA ends even though he knows his only choice is going to be a personal policy?

 

[ShyCat]

I meant will he be able to continue the coverage he has had by paying a premium without reapplying for insurance?

No. When COBRA coverage ends, it ENDS. Continuing to send in payments will not extend the COBRA coverage past its expiration date. He would have to apply (and be accepted) for other coverage.

 

[Bruno]

Post-COBRA Conjecture

No. When COBRA coverage ends, it ENDS. Continuing to send in payments will not extend the COBRA coverage past its expiration date. He would have to apply (and be accepted) for other coverage.

Thanks! So at that point he could be rejected for existing conditions (even after being with Kaiser for so many years). Or, the premium could be raised (if accepted) SIGNIFICANTLY?

 

[cbg]

Yes. At that point anything could happen. Or nothing. It will be entirely up to Kaiser.

 

[Bruno]

Post-COBRA Question

Yes. At that point anything could happen. Or nothing. It will be entirely up to Kaiser.

Thanks! And I think this wraps it up.