Can I have health insurance break before getting another health insurance?

Question

Here is my situation. I joined company "A" in 2000 and I left the company "A" in Sep 2007. I had group insurance from company "A" until Sep 2007. I joined company "B" in Oct 2007 but the company "B" did not provide the health insurance and asking me to stay with Cal-Cobra. Still, I did not send my Cal-Cobra election form and debating myself whether to have it or not. I got offer from company "C" and I am willing to join company "C" in December 2007. Company "C" is a big company and the company "C" insurance will be starting as soon as I join the company "C". About my health condition, I don't have any precondition and even my family member don't have any precondition. My question is, do I need to take Cal-Cobra and pay 3400 USD for Oct 2007, Nov 2007 to keep my insurance up to date before joining company "C". Is it safe not to take the Cal-Cobra and have 2 months break in health insurance coverage?

The company "C" will be providing group health insurance. I know that pre-existing are not a problem with a group insurance. Is that right?

Answer 1

The magic number is 63 days, but that's for making pre-existing conditions covered under the new policy.

The only hazard you have, is what if you need an appendectomy on November 25th? Then you'll be paying that out of pocket.

Your call.

Answer 2

It's "safe" but not smart. Some plans have what they call a "waiting period" - meaning, they can refuse to pay any claim they want to during this time. It ranges from 30 days to a year - with the most common being three months. BUT, if you had insurance coverage immediately prior to the new plan taking effect, they often waive the waiting period. (You prove the previous coverage with the letter of termination from that plan.)

SO, unless no one in your household has a need to use the medical insurance for a few months, or you have some money stashed away to cover any denied claims, I'd shell out for the Cal-Cobra - just to be on the safe side.

Answer 3

If you have any medical bills for that time period they will not be covered. Also, if you develop any pre-existing conditions before the new coverage starts and have a 63 day gap, they may not be covered for approximately 1 year. Since it already almost December, you might want to risk these things, but it is a gamble.

Answer 4

the first 3 answerers ought to no longer be answering coverage questions. (rolling eyes in disbelief). in case you're taking the first responder's suggestion you want to no longer get in a motor vehicle twist of destiny or crumple the steps. Jeez, with that good judgment if we in basic terms observed the 'be careful' suggestion there'd be no wellbeing coverage mission. (nevertheless rolling eyes). besides #4 has it perfect except for one key factor. previously your modern coverage ends you get a ninety day provide of your medicine to carry you the three months (with any success it hasn't ended yet). then you extremely get a non everlasting wellbeing coverage coverage to conceal you in the course of the ninety days. I have links to 6 different businesses on my web site. i like to recommend the United wellbeing non everlasting plan so that you'll get the community mark downs. because the above responder reported you received't have coverage for the upload in the course of the ninety days yet you'll preserve your uninterrupted coverage so your pre-present condition ought to nevertheless be lined at the same time as the hot activity coverage kicks in. also, relying on the meds you're taking and how otherwise healthful you're you may (underline might want to) be better off with a human being plan than the hot crew plan besides. in basic terms verify with an coverage broking service. I have links to brokers on my web site interior the wellbeing section. it really is damaged down by ability of state.

Answer 5

Of course your can!