Question:
Missed a payment. COBRA Cancelled. Surgery Scheduled, advice needed!

I Have Cobra And Missed My April Payment. My Surgery Is May 12th And I Know I Have To Have The Money To Pay All The Way Till The End Of June. After Months Of Agony And My Surgery Date Being Cancelled 3 Times, My Day Is Almost Here. I Got A Letter Today Saying They Cancelled My Insurance! Does Any One Know How Flexible Cobra Is About Reinstating Your Policy?    — christina L. (posted on May 4, 2003)


May 4, 2003
Call them NOW. Today...even though it's SUNDAY and pay over the phone using your cc or check over phone...anything. Just do it NOW!! (And do NOT mention the surgery!!)
   — msmaryk

May 4, 2003
I am a COBRA Administrator on my job and also post WLS. Your April payment was due on or before the 1st of April. You have a 30 day grace period - meaning your April payment had to be in before May 1st. If you failed to have your payment in by then and you have been cancelled there is no reconciliation to the situation. It seems harsh I know - but policies must be very strict.
   — Susan B.

May 4, 2003

   — John Rushton

May 4, 2003
Yup, bad news is, no chance of reinstating COBRA. Something to consider though, is to attempt to obtain individual insurance with a wls friendly co ASAP because if coverage has not been out of effect for I believe 60 days (not sure on this time frame) the pre-existing clause is waived.
   — Robin H.

May 4, 2003
The 62 day rule about preexisting conditions applies to employer provided insurance, not individuals buying policies, to my knowledge. My best advice would be to try and get coverage by getting a new job...I know that is tough and you'd have to reschedule.
   — Catherine H.

May 4, 2003
I'd call and try to pay. If by accident they accept your payment I believe they are obligated to you then.
   — Shelly S.




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