Has anyone figured out how to sign up for COBRA? How did you do it? Healthcare ends Saturday (8/31). Did anyone get the info package that was promised by GM before end of coverage? GM Benefits site indicates they are ready to charge usual rate for September, but will they actually do that, or say "surprise?"
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Why would you sign up for COBRA? You could have signed up for Obamacare and gotten a subsidy. You would have qualified for a special enrollment period. Believe me, I know. I was able to change my plan 3 times in 3 months before I could find the one that all of my family’s doctors take. My COBRA would have been 2100/month, without vision and dental. Who can afford that? I’m on a BCBS plan now at 460/month. Plus, an extra 80 for delta dental. Hopefully starting a new job next week, provided the salary works.
Of course, the big concern is a gap in coverage. The benefits line person assured me Cobra, if selected, is retroactive to the end of the continuation (severance) period, even if you get sick/injured before you sign up. The info package won't come until after the end of that period, which is Aug 31 for me. I'm going with Cobra. Thanks for the responses! -OP.
I had the same exact question when my 3 month severance was coming to an end in May and I hadn’t received the COBRA info yet. When I called the Benefit line, they were able to tell me the cost and (since I opted to go the COBRA route) they were able to sign me up over the phone right then.
I did receive the COBRA info in the mail but it arrived about 2 weeks after my severance would have ended.
I would not recommend COBRA! As mentioned, look up on state and federal gov sites. You could possibly show low or reduced income and a lower rate for sure. In addition pay attention to how and who u are cover through. You want coverage for major health issues, operations, heart attack, things like that. Otherwise, cheaper to go to urgent care and pay out of pocket.
I spoke to the benefits line today about COBRA. They said the package would go out September 1, so you should have it a few days later.
They provided the Cobra numbers with the exit package.
See what your options are on healthcare.gov.
I think you have 60 days after the GM cheaper health insurance expires to continue the same BCBS plan but at about 6X the rate or more. The pkg should have arrived automatically around the current expiration date. Good luck whatever choice you make. Health care costs are the real reason older people get cut at work. Not just GM – it's all over the country.
Those with no income who sign-up for COBRA (currently $1,660 a month for a family) are mathematically challenged.