NYC Teachers: Leave of Absence and COBRA??

Hi All-

I was wondering if any NYC teachers used COBRA benefits for a leave of absence and if so, what was the cost?

I want to take a leave of absence after my FMLA runs out, but can't get an answer as to how much COBRA will cost for a family.

Also, how do I apply for COBRA?

Any info. would be so appreciated...

Message edited 10/23/2008 5:32:19 PM.

Re: NYC Teachers: Leave of Absence and COBRA??

Are you planning to stay employed with the DOE? Because there is something called "SLOAC"- Special Leave of Absence Coverage. I had to go on leave early, and I ended up out for 14 weeks, so I went on the SLOAC coverage. It didn't cost anything. I think you can stay on it for a while, though I am not sure exactly.

You will just have to make sure that your payroll sec does everything right and then follow up. I was actually dropped from my ins. and the Welfare Fund during my FMLA time. I don't know why but it was a huge PITA.

Re: NYC Teachers: Leave of Absence and COBRA??

I don't know anything about NYC schools but I do know a lot about cobra

1st off you should contact your HR person if there is such a thing in schools.
If not you can contact the health Ins co. Directly and ask for the cost, they may actually give it to you.

2nd be aware that on top of the cost, NYS allows employers to charge a fee for having to process your insurance every month, and they are allowed to charge up to 10% of the insurance cost additional. (so for every $100 = $10 fee per month)

to apply for cobra, you really don't do much. the HR person should give you a form (very basic, if they even give you one) where you basically check off a box for cobra. then you sign it and then send it in to the insurance co. They may not even do this step. we just require a letter stating the fact that you would like to opt for cobra on such and such date. you usually have to enroll by the 1st of the month. Also NYS coverage rules: if you have a lasp in coverage that is less then 63 days the health ins. co can not make you wait for coverage as they typically do if your coverage lasps (in your case it would be cobra)

HTH FM if you have any other questions I can try to help

Re: NYC Teachers: Leave of Absence and COBRA??

I found this.

You can get it for four months.

Re: NYC Teachers: Leave of Absence and COBRA??

Re: NYC Teachers: Leave of Absence and COBRA??

Re: NYC Teachers: Leave of Absence and COBRA??