busker

Bite of the COBRA

Hmm, I rather like that graphic; it also conjures up the red tape element here.

I'm filing this post more out of relief than any desire to inform or amuse, altho' there may be folks out there who'll be saved a moment's panic.

COBRA coverage - a big deal once one leaves the cocoon of the big office.

ADP Benefit Services were the bunch to whom I sent my monthly check and I took seriously the warning on each of their reminders:

• Send the appropriate coupon along with a check for payment. A delay in processing may occur, blah blah
• When payments are due: Each coupon indicates 'Due Date' and 'Grace Date'. We strongly encourage you to remit payment in full prior to the due date. Eligibility may be denied until payment is credited to your account and the insurance carriers are updated
• If ADP Benefit Services does not receive full premium payment postmarked on or before the grace date, as specified by law, your COBRA coverage will be terminated on the last day of the period for which full payment was made.
• ONCE COVERAGE IS TERMINATED, IT CANNOT BE REINSTATED
• Please note: The acceptance of any late or partial payment by ADP Benefit Services does not constitute agreement of COBRA continuation of coverage.

Pretty unambiguous there, I'd say, and I make my payments.

So, one day I get a note from a messrs CONEXIS of Dallas TX informing me that I am now under *their* care and payment coupons to follow. Again the same warning. Yeh, right. I've been down this road before.

• I call the number provided and explain I'm just an ignorant ol' punter who always gets *something* wrong*. Can I just confirm, a) No more checks to ADP, b) Checks now to CONEXIS c) Is there *anything* more I need do my end to ensure smooth continuation of coverage?
• Copies of documents to CONEXIS? Copy of my first CONEXIS check to ADP?
• No, assures the girl, I've got it right. No more checks to ADP; next month's COBRA check, same amount, to CONEXIS.
• No, really, I tell her, I do mean **anything**.
• Really, she says, it's that simple.
• That was 3 weeks ago. In this morning's mail, a printed form from ADP headed "Notice of COBRA Coverage Termination"
• "Reason codes for termination coverage prior to end of COBRA coverage as follows
• Code B - 'You voluntarily cancelled COBRA coverage(s)'

I call the number and finally get someone I can ask to look me up. She looks me up and confirms I *am* still covered.

• Why tell me I'm not, then, I cry?
• She apologizes if I've been "inconvenienced, but that is a printed form letter".
• That's worse, I splutter. It means that everyone like me who changed to NEXIS is going to believe their coverage has been terminated.
• She apologizes again for any inconvenience and I let it go.

Well, after tapping all that out and distracting myself from hyperventilating over some fabricated resumé, I feel considerably better. Thanks very much.

(Cripes, Bunter - don't say these bally bloggs can serve some actual purpose ?) 'Pon my soul.