Information, Tips & Suggestions on COBRA insurance and U.S health care reform

Many people have written to me with questions and concerns regarding the new U.S health care reform and the COBRA insurance initiative. Here is some general information and some suggestions where you may find addititional information and further help regarding COBRA insurance and health reform. I hope they help:

The law has been passed, but does not appear to be fully implemented. The new COBRA notices should have information but if that is not true yet - potential COBRA enrollees should probably start with (in this order) the health insurance company, their ex-employer’s human resources, or their state insurance department. From what I read, programs will vary by state.

And here it gets confusing - both the US Department of Labor or the US Department of Health and Human Services seem to be responsible for this program.

Contact Information and Updates

• http://www.dol.gov/ - Department of Labor Website
• http://www.hhs.gov/ - Department of Health and Human Services
• Toll Free: 1-877-696-6775 - US Dept. of Health & Human Services

… or you may save time by finding their state departments. But again, I’d start with the insurance company or ex-employer because they should have information when the plan will be implemented in their area, and will probably be easier to get in contact with.

I am not trying to be vague, but just explaining that the promised outreach program does not seem to be in place. There is a new website from the White House - http://www.healthreform.gov/ (But it just seems to be political, and only seems to have contact information for other govt. agencies.)

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