I apologize in advance if this question has been asked before, but I didn't see it. Has anyone ever had the LapBand surgery done through COBRA? I got laid off from my job last week, and my policy covered it. I'm wondering if/hoping that I can get things squared away with COBRA in time to still have my scheduled surgery on March 26? Is that possible? Thanks!!

If I'm not mistaken, COBRA coverage extends the same benefits you had previously.

Good luck! I hope you get to move forward as planned!

Yes, if you previous insurance covered it, your coverage under COBRA would too.

I'd also add that you might choose to keep COBRA coverage longer that you might under ordinary circumstances (I know it's expensive) just in case something goes wrong post-surgery.

I got laid off in November, 5 months into my planning for the surgery. I took the COBRA, and my surgery is in 6 days!! It is the exact same coverage that you had, just you are paying the whole thing instead of your company picking up whatever percentage they were. The subsidy is still in effect right? That was definitley the saving grace for me!

You should be fine.

I lost my job Oct 2009 and I had my surgery Jan 2010, all under Cobra. It was my exact coverage I had when working and my copay was still the $10.

Cobra has been extended to where you have it for 15 months. I plan on keeping it until I either find a job, or it runs out. It's expensive for some, but mine is affordable and it's a good idea since you may have to be seen for fills, checkups, etc.

Good Luck!