Question
Hi, I am located in Florida. I have COBRA with my former employer. Their headquarters and insurance is based out of Michigan. I have been making my monthly premiums on time and the amount that was told to me since June 06. In October, I contacted my former employer to add my daugther, who was born on 10/10. They did not reply to me via email so I contacted the insurance company directly, got an application and sent it in (also emailed former employer to let them know I was adding her).
On November 13th, I contacted the insurance company to make sure my daughter was added. They told me my former employer canceled the insurance as of 9/30 (at the time when I called them to add my daughter they did not have this information.)
I immediately contacted my former employer, telling them I was not notified of this change and needed application materials for this NEW insurance ASAP. They sent them to me and I faxed the new application materials in to the agent.
To date, the agent says we are not in the system but assures me that we will be added to this new insurance, effective Oct. 1.
Is my former employer required to notify me within a certain time that they (1) changed insurance companies and (2) changed premiums. The premiums for employee plus child changed from $314.00 to $670.00 per month, and they are now expecting BACK pay for October and November.
Do I have any rights in this case?
Thank you
Answer
Yes. You have the right to pay the back premium in order to continue your coverage. Your employer made a mistake. It happens sometimes.