Under COBRA does health insuance coverage continue right away once you elect?

Question

My boyfriend is having a biopsy in two weeks, but just recently applied for election to continue health coverage (he quit his old job in another state 6/14). Does coverage start immediately or must he wait for a notice or something? If so, does he have to pay out of pocket?

Answer 1

when electing cobra there is generally not a waiting period or pre-existing condition.  You should check with your insurance company to be certain though.  Good Luck

Answer 2

When he received his COBRA paperwork, there should have been a date on it as to up to what date he could apply for or refuse coverage. He would have additional time to pay the premiums, which would have also been stated. As long as he turned in the application and pays the premiums by those dates, his coverage will have no break. It does take time for all of this to be recorded at the insurance company, so if the provider checks his eligibility when he gets his biopsy and finds the info has not been updated yet, he may have to pay out of pocket unless he can take proof that the COBRA has been applied for and paid for.

Answer 3

There should be no lapse in coverage.  Be sure he gets his application in within 60 days.  He's cutting it close.

Answer 4

He'll actually have to back pay.  It doesn't gap usually.  So, assuming it ended 6/14 he'll pay from 6/15.  Being so close he'll want to call the company to make sure his election was received.