COBRA Coverage for a Group of One
I have recently received my disability from social security. I have had an upholstery business for the past ten years, but I am a company of one. I am being told I am not eligible under for COBRA coverage due to this. Does my disability status change this? If not do I have any further options for health coverage until my Medicare kicks in?
According to Florida mini-COBRA laws, continuation of coverage need only be offered to employer groups of 2-19 employees. Groups of 20 or more are regulated by federal COBRA laws. You may be able to get HIPAA coverage, but your eligibility for Medicare may affect this option if you have already been deemed Medicare eligible. When does you Medicare coverage begin? Any additional details you can provide will help us further direct you.
I don’t know yet. I sent my application for disability medicare and i’m waiting for approval
Comment by William — October 17, 2006 @ 3:32 pm
Since COBRA is not available, contact your insurance carrier to see if they offer a conversion option. Under a conversion, they may provide you other health plan options that are “guaranteed issue.” The premiums may be fairly high. If they do not offer a conversion option, contact a broker in Florida that represents several insurance companies. They should know which of those companies offer guaranteed issue health plans for persons coming off a group plan that do not have a COBRA option.
Comment by Site Advisor — October 17, 2006 @ 3:58 pm
Hi
I am somewhat in the same situation. I am currently employed in a good position with a company in my town, who also provides me with a very good group health plan from Blue Shield Health Insurance, which covers me and my family. I am very happy with this arrangement and honestly its one of the major reasons I stay with the job. However I would love to own my own business as I feel I am now at a time in my life where everything seems to fall into place to go into business on my own, but I am quite concerned when I read about situations like this. What do self-employed people do with health insurance? Do they no have any at all? I would think this is the reason why many people choose not to start their own business. What options are available for prospective entrepreneurs?
Comment by David — May 30, 2009 @ 11:16 am