Latest info on Cobra since new guidelines

[irish]

My new IG LIving magazine also had an article about Cobra. This magazine keeps all the IVIG patients informed of what is going on with insurance and medicare because of reimbursement for the gamma globulin products which are extremely costly.

When you are laid off you have the option to maintain your current insurance with your employer for a specific length of time. The cost is usually pretty expensive. Under the new Stimulus package workers who are terminated between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009, whose annual income doesn't not exceed $250,000 for family or $125,000 for individuals are eligible for subsidies to cover 65% of the cost of health insurance premiums under Cobra for up to 9 months.

Even if you did not take advantage of Cobra right away and 63 days has gone by you merely need to start paying for the Cobra and it will take effect Employers were required to notify employees of the new Cobra subsidy plan no late than April 17, 2009.

Go to Medical News Today:    http://www.medicalnewstoday.com      for information.

Good luck. Irish

[salsen]

A really good friend of mine is going through this right now.  Her insurance will be just about the same cost as it was before she was let go.   This is a huge help to her at this time and will help carry her through until something else can be worked out.

[wordnerd]

Thanks for the info Irish!

My mom was just laid off on friday.  We are going to need this....

[Epson]

Nice to see the government isn't giving all our money away to the banks and have a bone to throw to we, the little people.

[lynnmarie219]

Thanks Irish for this information...its very important that we maintain our insurance if at all possible!

[eyeamdry]

I think maybe we discussed this earlier?  But, thanks Irish for all the information.  We didn't get it all in before.  Also it was some time ago.

My daughter was laid off in Feb, although they said she would be called back.  A few days later, she got a letter saying her position was terminated.  Her employer was not forthcoming with this information and she (I) had already sent in $900 for two months payment.  They would not refund the money to her (me).  Only after then did she find out she was eligible for this co-pay help.  It is not paid by the government exactly, as I understand it.  It is given as a tax credit to the company for carrying this person on COBRA.  She is thankful for the help as she has Type I diabetes and epilepsy and cannot be without insurance. 

Not sure what will happen when she's up to the nine months if she hasn't found a job.  Lucy