FAQs about health insurance issues

Frequently Asked Questions - Individual Health	Printer-friendly page
You need expert advice to make the best choice. We receive many calls with concerns about loss of coverage. If you don't find what you need, contact us and we'll help solve your problem. Click on a question to see the answer or scroll down for all. ? I was just laid off. What are my health insurance options? ? My company is closing or terminating its group medical plans. Do I lose COBRA? ? What can I do to get health insurance protection as soon as possible? ? There are some significant medical problems in my family. What do I do? ? I am losing group coverage as a dependent because of divorce/legal separation. What are my options? ? How can Shargel & Co help me?
I was just laid off. What are my health insurance options?
You have four options. *1) Apply for COBRA:* You and your family members are entitled to continue your health insurance at your own expense for 18 months (36 months if you became eligible for COBRA benefits on or after January 1, 2003). Contact your human resources administrator. *2) Enroll in your spouse’s group health plan:* If your spouse’s employer offers a group plan, you should be able to enroll in that plan. Contact the human resources administrator immediately. *3) Apply for interim insurance:* If you have another job lined up but have to meet the waiting period before benefits begin, consider applying for interim health insurance. It is much less expensive than COBRA. 4) Apply for personal individual health insurance: If you expect to be self-employed, apply for a permanent individual plan. Back to Top

My company is closing or terminating its group medical plans. Do I lose COBRA?
Unfortunately, yes. COBRA guarantees you access to the same health plans that insure current employees. If your company closes or terminates the group health insurance plan, there is no COBRA or Cal-COBRA.
What can I do to get health insurance protection as soon as possible?
1) Enroll in your spouse’s employer’s health plan: If your spouse’s employer offers a group plan, you should be able to enroll in that plan. Contact their human resources administrator immediately. 2) Apply for interim insurance: If you do not have access to other employer sponsored coverage, apply for individual interim health insurance. There are only a few key medical questions to answer. The policies are effective the day after the postmark date. You can keep this coverage until you decide on your next career move and/or you are eligible for your new employer’s health insurance. Back to Top

There are some significant medical problems in my family. What do I do?
If you have COBRA, you should continue your coverage. If your COBRA is expiring, you are protected by HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). This legislation guarantees qualified applicants acceptance to certain individual medical plans with no limitations on preexisting conditions. Pricing is roughly double preferred rates and is based on age and area of residence. You must apply for coverage within 63 days of termination of group benefits. Back to Top

I am losing group coverage as a dependent because of divorce/legal separation. What are my options?
You are eligible for COBRA or Cal-COBRA for 36 months through your former spouse's employer. You must notify the employer and/or health plan within 60 days of the divorce/legal separation. You may also have other options for coverage. We've prepared a help sheet Health Insurance Options for New Singles (PDF file) with more information. Back to Top

How can Shargel & Co help me?
We can provide you with expert, confidential advice, send you the appropriate health insurance brochures and application materials,and assist you throughout the medical approval process. Back to Top