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Q:  My husband was laid off 10-31-08 we took his severance package in installments until 5/4/09 so we could keep our health care coverage. My husband is looking for work but it doesn’t look good. So when our severance package ends we would like to be able to sign up for our cobra with the 65% stimulus discount will we be able to get it? My husband called his employer to get paper work because I read somewhere you only has 60 days from 2/17/09 to sign up to get the discount? Please let me know the facts so we can move forward and be confident if my Husbands doesn't have work we will have Health care for our family. Thank You.

A:  COBRA is the name of a federal law. COBRA contains provisions giving certain former employees, retirees, spouses and dependent children the right to temporarily continue their health coverage at group rates. Your employer is required by law to offer you the continuation of their group health policy for up to 18 months if there are more than 20 employees. You will need to request a COBRA packet from your employer, sometimes the HR dept or benefits manager. They will send you an election form in the mail (they have 45 days to send it) for you to complete. Once you complete this form and return it with in 60 days, your insurance will be retro-active to your last day of employment.  You will not have any lapse or gap in coverage. 

We have no connection to the Federal Government.  If you are looking for information on the stimulus package and how it will affect your COBRA coverage, you should contact the Federal Department of Labor, they regulate the COBRA law.  The department of labor’s phone number is 866-444-3272 or visit their website at www.dol.gov

We are a company that offers Cobra Alternatives. They are short term major medical plans that cover new illnesses or injuries. They do not cover any pre-existing conditions.  The plans online are alternatives to Cobra. The main difference between this plan and Cobra is that it doesn't cover pre-existing conditions or preventative care.  Short Term Health typically costs less than Cobra. They'll cover new illnesses or injuries.