COBRA timeline vs. onset of new employer benefits

I’m am editor by trade, yet not sure how to succinctly research my question:

I have a congenital neurological condition called hydrocephalus. Because it is chronic/incurable (but manageable), I’ve never gone without insurance, whether through my parents’ plans, my own plans in my adult life, or COBRA when I’ve been between jobs.

Which brings me to now: I was laid off in September 2024 and have been paying for COBRA since then. I (finally!) started a new job this week, and I’m told my new employer’s benefits will kick in 3/1.

However, I won’t officially get to enroll until 2/24 or after because I have to go through a formal orientation process that starts that day and will last two weeks, so, even though HR says I should be good to go, I’m nervous about any potential lack of coverage should there be any delays in processing.

All that said, my question is whether there’s a grace period in a situation like this; namely, if I don’t pay COBRA on March 1, will I be dinged for my pre-existing condition if benes don’t kick in till, say, mid-March, or will any penalties be on hold for, say, 30 days? The timeline should work out, but I’m trying to anticipate any problems/delays because my monthly COBRA payment will jump from $682 to $756 as of 3/1 and I want to avoid that rate hike if at all possible since I’m broke until my first paycheck kicks in.

Hope this convoluted question makes sense, and would appreciate any expertise and/or reassurance. Thanks in advance!

Also, if this isn’t the best place to ask this question, please refer me to a more appropriate community if you can. 😊

See also  Our View: ACA : Health insurance law big success - Mankato Free Press

submitted by /u/MandyMolaFizzyCola
[comments]