Cobra Terminated Unexpectedly
27F, California, income $47/hr 40 hr/wk
I was laid off last July 2023, elected COBRA, and have stuck with it since then. I’ve made every payment on time, including last month. I just went to pick up my medicine and was notified I wasn’t covered, I checked my account and sure enough. I went home and checked my mail and found a notice that my coverage would be terminated on 9/30/24 (there is “date printed” at the top 9/24/24, so I’m assuming I got this in the mail around 9/27, maybe 9/30). I was given no other notice online, by e-mail, phone, from my ex-employer or my provider. It’s been 14 months, I’m in California (not sure if that’s relevant), but I’m entitled to 18 months + 18 extension. There is very little detail given in the letter, just says “Reason for termination: Special”. I know I need to call my provider and employer but it’s Friday night and both are closed and not answering. Basically I want to know: what the hell? I can’t find anything online that would make sense why this happened. & Am I entitled to any legal compensation if the employer wrongfully terminated it? (I know employers have to pay daily fees when they fail to notify of COBRA immediately following termination). Just knowing I haven’t been covered for 4 days and have to go at the minimum the weekend but potentially all month without it is scaring me.
