COBRA Insurance can be a tricky process and you may run into problems and questions throughout your time enrolling or being covered under COBRA medical insurance continuation.  Here are three common problems and their solutions so you know what to do if you experience this (although hopefully you won’t).

1. The insurance company says they never received your payments even though you paid them: First you should reach out to the health insurance provider and see if they can remedy the problem.  If they cannot, you should then contact the Department of Labor, who oversees COBRA laws, at (866) 444-EBSA begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (866) 444-EBSA end_of_the_skype_highlighting and inform them about what has occurred.  They will help you to investigate what has happened and find a remedy.
2. Your doctor says that you do not have coverage even though you signed up for COBRA insurance: Call your health insurance company immediately to find out what is happening.  If you have just enrolled in COBRA insurance there likely could be a lapse in the processing of the paperwork.  If you have been signed up for COBRA insurance for a substantial time period, likely there is a kink in the system and your health insurance provider can quickly let your doctor know you are in fact insured for the visit.
3. Your former employer signs up for a new health insurance plan but didn’t tell you: Your previous employer should have informed you that the switch was occurring.  Contact the health insurance contact at your place of employment to find out the details of the new plan.  You will be eligible for the open enrollment window just like anyone still employed within the company and able to receive the same benefits with the new plan.  It is important to know that there likely will be a change in your premium cost if this happens.
4. You got a new job – yeah! But your health insurance doesn’t start for 3 months: Keep COBRA health insurance until your new job begins.  This will keep you and your family protected until the new plan kicks in and will also protect you from being excluded (under HIPAA) due to any pre-existing conditions.