https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 17 May 2026 07:21:18 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-experience-with-using-cobra-after-leaving-your-job#post-2627453 Mon, 26 Sep 2016 16:26:38 +0000 BSB 2627453@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PurplePeony: @raspberries: thanks for explaining!!!</p> <p>I called the pediatrician and the out of pocket expense for the flu shot is $23 each. I'll do that and if DH has a medical event during the two weeks, I'll be sure to hand in the Cobra papers. </p> <p>Thank you!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-experience-with-using-cobra-after-leaving-your-job#post-2627363 Mon, 26 Sep 2016 13:28:42 +0000 mamabolt 2627363@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PurplePeony: @raspberries: I've done the same the last two times I changed jobs. Worth considering! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-experience-with-using-cobra-after-leaving-your-job#post-2627338 Mon, 26 Sep 2016 12:41:29 +0000 raspberries 2627338@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PurplePeony: Haha, jinx! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-experience-with-using-cobra-after-leaving-your-job#post-2627337 Mon, 26 Sep 2016 12:41:05 +0000 raspberries 2627337@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>One more tip - you have 60 days from your last day to decide if you want to sign up for COBRA. I think a lot of people in your position would wait to sign up to see if they have a medical event occur before your new coverage kicks in, and then retroactively sign up only if it's necessary. (Obviously if you can't get your daughters in for flu shots earlier or your family has necessary appointments already scheduled, that's not really an option.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-experience-with-using-cobra-after-leaving-your-job#post-2627336 Mon, 26 Sep 2016 12:40:19 +0000 PurplePeony 2627336@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You can sign up for COBRA retroactively if you need it before your new coverage starts. I think within 60 days? Anyway, last time I had a break in coverage like this, I filled out all the paperwork and kept it on hand in case it was needed, but never filed it (or had to pay anything) because I didn't have any medical expenses between my old insurance stopping and new insurance starting. Even if you have to pay out of pocket for the flu shots, it will probably be cheaper than COBRA coverage if you don't end up having any other doctor visits. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-experience-with-using-cobra-after-leaving-your-job#post-2627333 Mon, 26 Sep 2016 12:38:38 +0000 raspberries 2627333@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>COBRA coverage can start as soon as your coverage lapses for your job - so if your last day is on Friday, it will pick up on Saturday which means your kids' flu shots will still be covered. At my work, COBRA for our cheapest family plan is around $1800/mo - just prepare yourself if that's your best option. Also, your current employer can prorate it only for what you need - you may not have to pay for the entire month if your new coverage starts on the first day of your new job. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-experience-with-using-cobra-after-leaving-your-job#post-2627331 Mon, 26 Sep 2016 12:35:00 +0000 Mrs D 2627331@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Are you sure your coverage isnt retro back to the first of the month? May be worth checking? Or that your current coverage doesnt run a little longer?</p> <p>I left a job and was pleasantly surprised to find my coverage extended to the last day of the month following my departure.</p> <p>When I was last offered COBRA (for just myself) my monthly premium was $600. I opted for catastrophic coverage from Blue Cross (basically covered emergencies/hospitals) for $150/month. I used it for 3 mos - and never "used" it. Blue cross ended up refunding me $300 when I cancelled it when my new insurance started. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-experience-with-using-cobra-after-leaving-your-job#post-2627318 Mon, 26 Sep 2016 12:16:21 +0000 BSB 2627318@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My last day is this Friday and I emailed HR asking if I can get info on it. Looks like I will have to wait until Friday to get the details. </p> <p>Since my husband has a health condition, I don't really want a lapse in coverage.</p> <p>Also, the twins flu shots are scheduled for the day after my last day. DH is going to call to see if we can get their flu shots before my last day. </p> <p>I'm also a bit afraid what the out of pocket premium will be for a whole family. Though, with my DH's health, we are going to have to pay for it . </p> <p>So my last day is Sept 30th and first day at new job is Oct 17th. I'll need 2 weeks of coverage. </p> <p>I know premiums will be different for everyone. </p> <p>Give me any tips for using COBRA. </p>