View Full Version : Cobra Insurance eligobility - L1 Visa
vidya1979
05-23-2008, 04:32 PM
Hi,
Currently, I am on L1 working with a company. I am planning to quit and move on to L2 as my husband's dependant. I am carrying and I wanted to know if I would be eligible for Cobra insurance. I'd really appreciate some inputs here.
Thank You!
narendra
05-23-2008, 05:00 PM
COBRA is not an insurance but a law that allows the ex-employees to continue the insurance from their previous employers if they have at least 20 full time employees.
Therefore, you have to check with the HR department of your company whether you can continue with their insurance.
txh1b
05-23-2008, 06:39 PM
Companies are required by law to provide you information about continuing insurance coverage during termination or within couple of days.
You need to check with the CORBA policy of your company HR before taking any action/resignation as pre-existing coverage will be a nightmare once you quit without COBRA.
More here.
http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/cobra.htm
narendra
05-23-2008, 06:47 PM
Companies are required ONLY if they have at least 20 full-time employees.
txh1b
05-23-2008, 06:50 PM
Companies are required ONLY if they have at least 20 full-time employees.
Yes, You have already mentioned that in your first post post and I felt it was an understood thing and did not want to repeat it.
narendra
05-23-2008, 07:01 PM
I agree.
Just wanted to make sure that everyone is clear it that not all employers are required to offer insurance under COBRA. (Many times, people interpret the words the way which is suitable and favorable to them.)
vidya1979
05-24-2008, 06:22 PM
My company definitely has more than 20 employees. But since I am on L1 visa, I am not sure if I am eligible for Cobra....
For instance my HR said it was only for American citizens. But I know at least a couple of my friends who were on H1 and were offered Cobra from their companies.
narendra
05-24-2008, 06:27 PM
Eligibility for COBRA has nothing to do with citizenship (or legal status).
Just the way when you are eligible for group insurance for your employer while working full time irrespective of your legal status (US citizens, greencard holders, H1, L1 or any other people), you get to continue the same insurance on COBRA as well.
Your HR manager is definitely wrong.