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This Web site contains a compilation of more than a thousand consumer finance  columns written by Tony Novak from the 1980s through 2006, updated and reformatted for maximum usefulness today.  New material was added after 2010.

Content is the opinion of the author and does not represent the position of any other person or entity. Information is from sources believed to be reliable but cannot be guaranteed.

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COBRA example

originally posted: 11/22/2006  reposted: 2/18/2011 This post has not been recently reviewed or revised by the author and may be out of date. If you notice an error or are in doubt, please send a new question by email or ask for an update. Email asktony@tonynovak.com.

Q: I am currently employed and have health insurance coverage that is paid for by both myself & my employer. I have been employed at this company for almost 5 years. I am currently receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer (4 sessions - one every 3 weeks) and then after that I will need radiation five days a week for 6 weeks. My questions is, if I change jobs during these treatments, what am I up against? Do I have to use COBRA until the new job covers me, or do I take the short-term insurance that you offer?

A: Your question was selected because this is a perfect example of the value of COBRA coverage. This is your only option and without this guarantee under federal law, you would be "locked into" your job. Under COBRA, you have up to 18 months to change jobs and be covered under another employer plan that must take over coverage for your pre-existing medical condition.

Summary

More resources:

COBRAplan.com