Hi everyone. Lurker here looking for some advice!
I recently gave my notice for a company I've been with for 9 years. My last day will be June 13th. I currently carry the health insurance for the family. When I move to my new job, we will be going onto my husband's insurance, but his can only be started on the first of the month. This would leave us uninsured from June 14th-June 30th.
When I pay my insurance benefits, I pay $235 for a family plan on the 26th of the month, which is payment for the following month's benefits. On May 26th, I paid my insurance benefits, which should cover me until June 30th. However, the company is saying that my coverage will end on June 13th and if I want coverage in the interim, I can elect to pay a pro-rated COBRA rate of $680 for the two weeks.
According to my husband (who has always hated my company), this is double charging us for insurance because according to our insurance company, I am completely paid up through June 30th. The company will not receive a refund if they cancel my coverage on June 13th. I have checked the employee handbook and it does state that benefits end on your last day of employment. However, my husband thinks this is extremely unfair and has gone as far as to say he's going to sue them.
Anyone in HR know if this is the norm? Do your health benefits get canceled if you leave, regardless if the policy is paid through the year? I appreciate any advice or wisdom!
Re: Question about benefits and leaving a job
You should be fine until you get your new coverage. HIPPA allows a lapse of 65 days uncovered.
Call your state division of banking and insurance if you have any questions. They will have the answer you need straightaway.
You said you called the insurance people directly? Did you ask them point blank the conversations you are having with your HR people? I would think they can talk to you about your coverage and what you paid for.
I read this a few times and had different views.
What I think is happening:
You pay a portion per month and your employer pays a portion, right?
Your portion covers you for the month. The portion paid by the employer covers the balance. The company doesn't want to cover you for the period you will NOT be working there- the last 2 weeks of the month, even tho they already paid for it .