You can elect COBRA retroactively.
I would stay home and enjoy a day of peace. And, if something does happen either (1) it will be mundane enough to wait until at least the following day or (2) it will be severe enough to require an ER visit that probably wouldn’t get you admitted until after midnight anyway.
What VH said. The COBRA paperwork was sent to us 30 days after kiddo fell off the family plan due to aging out, but she was covered retroactively.
Agree with all that said COBRA can be applied retroactively.
We were in the same situation last year. I have a chronic health condition and have to maintain coverage. My h called the current insurance company and asked very specific questions about COBRa coverage. He put the customer rep on speaker as I wasn’t convinced.
Under the old rules, I believe if you could have up to 30 days without coverage and still qualify under continuous coverage.
When my H changed jobs a few years ago, the new job had a 3 month waiting period until coverage started. I was scared and got short-term coverage for myself, the kids were covered under CHIP and my H had VA healthcare coverage.
Medicare for all is sounding better and better.
I’m glad to read the info about retroactive COBRA. I didn’t know about it years ago and had to go one day with the family uncovered, in your exact situation. I was so scared, we didn’t leave the house. Great to know there is a way around this situation.
I would not pay for one day of coverage. I face my COBRA based on H’s insurance coverage running out 2 months before my Medicare kicks in (I got 36 months after his 65 month). Will decide what to do depending on insurance rules next spring. Not the cost for me, but the insurability for preexisting conditions that is the horrid part. Stay safe that day.
I started this thread, and if I had to pay for one day of coverage, I would, because if something happened that day, it could wipe out every dime my husband and I have saved for retirement. Not leaving the house is not enough when you’re in your 60s. You could easily have a medical event unrelated to any type of accident.
It’s great to know that you can get COBRA retroactively.
As it happens, I’m not facing this situation after all. I was able to get my start date at the new job pushed back into September instead of starting on October 2 (which would have left me without insurance on October 1). But this thread has been very informative. Thank you all.
MODERATOR’S NOTE: Closing thread since issue has been resolved.