COBRA question - the insurance thing...? -

Anyone here use COBRA to maintain health insurance? Apparently Voluntary or involuntary termination of employment is acceptable. However - if I quit one company and move to one without health insurance can I use Cobra while employed at the new job? Or is it simply to be used during unemployed status? No, you can keep it for 18 full months after you leave your old employer, for whatever reason - even if you're working with a new employer. But then, you need to have a plan in place - what happens when your 18 months runs out? and, can you afford the full premium? Some COBRA plans have a provision that says you lose your COBRA rights when you become eligible for another group plan that does not restrict coverage for pre-existing conditions, but most companies don't have a way to enforce these provisions. You should be fine to stay on your COBRA for 18 months. Once the 18 months are up, you will need to contact your employer within 30 days to enroll in your new employer's group plan. You can keep the old employer's insurance in force up to 18 months with COBRA provided you pay the full premium to the old employer. Yes, you may retain your COBRA benefits at your new company. However, you should start looking at individual health insurance around the 15 - 16 month mark in order to maintain continuous coverage.