Extra COBRA

I'm wondering, for those of us who are taking the voluntary separation, if we can ask for extra COBRA. Right now the company is volunteering to pay for sixty weeks (14 months) of COBRA, leaving an additional four months up to us to pay for. I'm wonder if there are enough of us who ask, if the company would extend this to the full 18 months. It wouldn't cost but around $2,300 per person (12 months COBRA rates are $6,913), but would certainly help us out in a time of transition.

Should we ask? The worst they can say is no. And if a bunch of us ask, HR might say yes.

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Please ask. Also ask for a unicorn to ride out on your last day and a reach around to top it off. Be prepared for them to tell you to go f yourself with a fistful of gravel.

@svt, Thank you, I do understand the COBRA time limitations. My question was more along the line of why someone would think that the company would extend it another 4 months. I mean if it is a wish list, then also go for 18 months pay instead of just 14. In any event, it is not going to happen.

@O7iD8-dfr: By federal law, COBRA is an 18-month program. Verizon is funding the first 14 months of it; after that, the former employee funds the remaining 4 months until the clock runs out. And after that, you have to find your health care elsewhere, whether through a new employer, through Obamacare, or Medicare if you turn 65.

It's not worth asking. The package is very generous. Have some confidence in yourself, you'll find a new job way before your year is up

Got me hanging, where is the 18 month number coming from?

Don't Skip the dumb--ses here. Ask HR directly.

Thread regarding Verizon Communications Inc. layoffs

Extra COBRA

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