Conference quark::mennotes

    Or she can pay the cobra plan too! I ofered my ex the plan. She
    declined.

    So long as she is legally married, most courts will tell you to pick up
    the tab. After the dealing is done, then there is that 'C' word.:)

>>  If Cobra is cheaper or better than her paying her own way, we'll probably 
>>do that. I just want to understand all the implications. 

*Do* comparison shop, *do* be an informed consumer.  Check not only COBRA, but
what it would cost to sign her up as an individual at your HMO.  Check *all*
your options.  Don't do something just because "the folks at work seems to 
think" this or that.

>>    My guess is that readers of this conference may have been through this,
>>    or at least have practical experience with the issues.

Yes, but it will be anecdotal; they can't tell you the exact costs that you 
will incur.

>>    The benefits book talks about Cobra, and then says ...
>>    | The charge for this coverage will be the full premium plus any
>>    | administrative costs. 
>>    What's 'full premium'?  Does that mean the part of the health insurance
>>    which Digital normally pays for a spouse (plus what I pay now) or does
>>    it mean something else?  

It is your portion of the premium plus Digital's portion of the premium, plus
the 2% admin. cost.  It will be a big amount, so be prepared for that.

>>Does anyone have a ballpark idea what order of magnitude of money we're 
>>talking about here?

Why not go to "the source"?  John Hancock administers COBRA for Digital, so 
why not start there ... 1-800-332-2060 or dtn 223-3300.  They can quote you,
monthly premiums, depending on which HMO you belong to, and give info around
how to pick up COBRA coverage (paperwork needed, etc).

There are also Benefits Specialists in HR in Maynard who can answer some
questions, but they don't answer legal_type/divorce_agreement questions.

Hope this helps,
Sue

    
    I recently got divorced in Mass. I was told by both attorney's that as
    long as insurance did not cost me extra I had to continue to carry it
    on my ex. As we have children and I will continue to carry the family
    plan anyway it was no big deal. I did call Corporate and notify them of
    the change in family status and the stipulation in the divorce and they
    were fine with it. I also notified Tufts, again no problem.
    
    Joan

    COBRA only lasts for 18 months.  It is a stopgap insurance.

     
    Insurance companies have to offer the option of continuing medical cover 
    for dependent children after divorce providing it is in the court order.
    
    States vary on whether insurance companies have to offer continued cover
    for the ex. In MA all HMOs have to offer that, providing it is in the
    order.
    
    While you are obliged to notify them of changing circumstances and
    possibly names, the costs do not change.
    
    The only thing to be cautious about is that they will only cover 1 wife
    or ex wife. So (amongst other things) the wording has to allow for the 
    possibility that you might remarry at some point. 
    
    I suggest you call them before making any commitment that might cost you 
    serious money short/long term. The impact of her living out of state 
    should also be checked.
    
    Martin
    
    
    

    You mention nothing about children so I presume you don't have any.
    Let your soon to be ex worry about her own health insurance. Why
    should you be burdened, she's moving out of state, she works, she
    is responsible for her own insurance.
    
    Mike

    Ditto! She wants her independence, and there is no children. Fine! 

    Check your particular plan.  CMHC allowed me to carry my ex as part of
    the plan I was already enrolled in with no change.  The only
    stipulation being that if either of us remarried or left the plan for
    some reason, coverage would then also end.  
    
    Brian