Cobra as a secondary insurance?

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  • #195725
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Completely off topic, but I haven’t been able to get straight answer…so I thought I’ll try it here.

    So, I currently have insurance through my work, it’s great but it is what it is. I also had another insurance under my name which was terminated once I turned 26 in June, 2015. I got a letter from her workplace saying I could continue that insurance for another 18months under Cobra.

    My husband and I are expecting a baby, and having Cobra and Aetna (through my work) would be really helpful, despite the high premium we would have to pay to continue Cobra. When I first called, no one mentioned that I couldn’t enroll in Cobra due to already having another insurance through my work. However, yesterday I spoke to a different lady, and she mentioned that I’m not eligible for Cobra since I already have qualified insurance through work.

    Does anyone know whether it’s possible to be enrolled in Cobra despite having another insurance?

Viewing 8 replies - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)
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  • #685118
    taxgeek83
    Participant

    Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I always thought that COBRA was intended for folks who lost insurance due to whatever circumstance. If you are covered through your employer's plan, you wouldn't need continued coverage under your old plan.

    #685119
    ruggercpa2b
    Participant

    Yeah I think its for people that do not have insurance after having full coverage. I know in the past when I switched jobs I had cobra coverage till after the new employer's insurance kicked in and then I was not eligible for COBRA anymore. I do not think you can double dip.

    https://www.bmc.org/benefits/COBRA.htm

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    #685120
    Missy
    Participant

    I would contact the HR person who sent the COBRA letter.Am I correct that it was your parents insurance and whichever parent works there carried it? I think if you have taken up your own qualified plan you are no longer eligible.

    HOWEVER, check out the health care marketplace website, and any organizations that either of you belong to. For example sometimes you can get group rate insurance through AAA (not great insurance, but whatever), through your alma mater,, etc. You may not be able to extend your previous insurance but you can certainly pick up secondary insurance elsewhere.

    Old timer,  A71'er since 2010.

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    #685121
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Yes, Cigna was under my Mom's insurance and I was able to have that as a secondary insurance along with Aetna (provided by work). I lost Cigna due to turning 26 in June, 2015. I received Cobra information from Cigna, but later found out I couldn't enroll in it since I already have Aetna. I just wasn't sure whether that I was correct, since other two representative I spoke with didn't mention that. However, the last person I talked to who informed me that I wasn't eligible seemed like she knew what she was talking about…so just wanted to confirm.

    Thanks for the advise, I'll follow up again with the HR as well as look up the rates to see whether I can pick up 2nd insurance.

    #685122
    ruggercpa2b
    Participant

    For some reason the AFLAC duck just popped in my head.

    AUD - NINJA in Training
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    AUD - 1/6/18
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    AUD - 73, 72 retake 7/2/2016
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    I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

    #685123
    Missy
    Participant

    The rules are different state to state and according to how big your mothers employer is. I can tell you I found a policy on the health connector that was cheaper and had just as good coverage as the Cobra through my previous employer. I assume you were given the rate to do the cobra so you'll know right off whether it is comparable or not.

    Cigna isn't known for being a great insurance at all and for the same cost, you can likely get a better plan.

    Old timer,  A71'er since 2010.

    Finance manager/HR manager

     

     

    Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
    Finance/Admin/HR Manager

    #685124
    rugger246
    Participant

    I echo what other have said…that you may not be eligible to buy into COBRA.

    Be careful on the thought of holding health insurance from two different companies/policies. It may cause more headache than its worth. What happens when the other says they should not have to pay because you have insurance with another company. Even though you may be able to specify primary vs. secondary provider it may still cause unwanted headaches when the insurance companies begin fighting with each other over who should pay claims.

    If you are not happy with the insurance provided via your employer perhaps you should shop around on the open market for other options.

    Just my 2 cents!!!

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    #685125
    xmas
    Member

    Did you check out health market place? It could be less…

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