All you HR experts out there

[SL6827]

Ok, so I left my job this past Monday, along with my health insurance. But my husband is going to put me and the kids on his health insurance. But I have to wait another week to get a certified letter from my employer stating that we are now without coverage before he can add us, I think. So technically me and the kids are without health insurance, right?

Or if something was to happen or I get we're to get a script filled would his insurance retroactively reimburse me? Just curious.

 

[MomToOne]

Some jobs you keep your insurance until the end of the month after you leave (since you've already paid for the full month). What information did your HR give you when you left?

Otherwise, you might be able to backdate the new coverage, you'll have to check with your husband's HR team. I was able to do that when I adopted my daughter. I didn't have the paperwork to cover her in advance, and she needed to go to the doctor within a couple of days of coming home (it was an international adoption)

 

[Distinkt]

I believe that if you leave a job for anything other than "gross misconduct" you are able through Cobra coverage to continue your current insurance at your own expense for up to 18 months. There is also an amount of time to sign up for the coverage and I think its either 30 or 60 days, and if you do you will have coverage, so you could get reimbursed for any services since you left your job.

It might make sense to get Cobra coverage until you can get on your husband's account, if you think you are going to have any big medical issues. However, it might be that you would pay more for a month's Cobra coverage than you would for medical or prescription services.

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

Cobra is retroactive for 60 days. I look at it as if a catastrophic emergency happens within 60 days, electing to pay for Cobra would be minimal compared to tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills. You can elect NOT to pay for it until day 60 which I'm sure by that time OP will have their insurance in order with DH.

If you need a doctor visit or urgent care visit before your DH's insurance kicks in, it might be worth it to just pay cash rather than paying for Cobra.

 

[crazylady]

If your husband's plan is a Section 125 plan (basically allows pre-tax insurance deductions), they will add you to his plan retroactive to the date your other coverage was lost as long as you provide them the necessary documentation (the letter) within the time frame. (Prob 30 days from your loss of coverage). If you have to pay for something, you'll need to submit to the new insurance for reimbursement. But, check with your former employer as to your actual coverage loss date first because you might still be covered depending on their rules.

You should not need COBRA at this time unless you choose not to go on husband's plan.

 

[ferrytale]

All the above are correct. You may be covered until the end of the month because you would have already contributed through payroll for the month (assuming you paid into the plan).

 

[jedijill]

You should reach out to your old company's HR and ask about how long your health benefits are good for. At my company, they are good until the end of the calendar month.

Jill in CO

 

[BOST99]

If your husband's plan is a Section 125 plan (basically allows pre-tax insurance deductions), they will add you to his plan retroactive to the date your other coverage was lost as long as you provide them the necessary documentation (the letter) within the time frame. (Prob 30 days from your loss of coverage). If you have to pay for something, you'll need to submit to the new insurance for reimbursement. But, check with your former employer as to your actual coverage loss date first because you might still be covered depending on their rules.

You should not need COBRA at this time unless you choose not to go on husband's plan.

This is exactly how we do it. The IRS governs Section 125 plans and are very strict on when you can add or remove coverage. Since this is due to a qualifying life event we always make coverage effective the first date of no coverage (the date of the qualifying event).

 

[KLAIT]

It has been a couple of years since I moved up from HR but I think if you are waiting for the confirmation of coverage letter (don't remember what is officially called) most insurance will back date your coverage. Talk with the pharmacist if you need a script before you get signed up under husbands plan. You will be eligible for coverage on day of qualifying event

Not sure you need any sort of COBRA coverage

 

[jen7233]

You should reach out to your old company's HR and ask about how long your health benefits are good for.

This is what I'd suggest. Some are good for 30 days, or end of pay period, just depends on the coverage and company. I'd call and find out. Also, it sounds like they are sending you a certified letter and should have the date your insurance coverage goes through, so that's good to have that proof.

When your DH signs up, they should give him an effective date for your coverage to start. Does he need to wait for yours to cancel? Just curious. I know I wouldn't want to overlap in either payments or coverage, either case would be challenging to try to align everything.

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

Cobra is retroactive for 60 days. I look at it as if a catastrophic emergency happens within 60 days, electing to pay for Cobra would be minimal compared to tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills. You can elect NOT to pay for it until day 60 which I'm sure by that time OP will have their insurance in order with DH.

If you need a doctor visit or urgent care visit before your DH's insurance kicks in, it might be worth it to just pay cash rather than paying for Cobra.

Exactly.

Just wait it out.

If you need insurance, and it is more than just a doctor visit or cheap script, then get COBRA to cover the time between companies. If you don't use it/need it. Decline coverage from your previous employer and leave that time as a gap.