It happens all the time in today's fast-paced employment world. Whether your company is switching providers or you're switching jobs, at some point you'll have to switch coverage. The problem is that interim period in which you may have no coverage at all.
Instructions
1. Find out the legalities involved in health insurance coverage. Understand the policies of your old provider and your new one. You shouldn't be afraid to call their customer service department and clear things up. There are federal laws that address the portability of health insurance. These include the 1986 COBRA bill and the 1996 HIPAA Act. Determine whether these help you continue coverage.
2. Establish whether your new plan covers pre existing conditions. Sometimes, companies will not cover people with certain illnesses or cover the costs related to the conditions. If your new plan won't cover your pregnancy or your diabetes, you may have to find an alternate solution.
3. Avail yourself of one of the rights guaranteed under COBRA. Speak with the human resources person at your old job and make sure he knows you want to continue coverage. You will have to pay your employer the entire amount of your insurance cost plus an administrative free, but you will have coverage. This extension will only work for a limited amount of time. Usually, this opportunity lasts for 18 months.
4. Remain covered under another person's coverage. If you're young and just starting out in the workforce, you might be able to stay on your parents' insurance until your new coverage kicks in. If you're married, you can remain covered by your spouse's plan.
5. Consult a private health insurance provider. You can purchase coverage for the period you will not be covered. This might not be the most advantageous (or cheapest) option, but at least it allows you the opportunity to maintain health insurance during the time you would otherwise have none.
Tags: health insurance, continue coverage, have coverage, will have, your plan
