Ex-Employer Changed Coverage Midyear and Didn’t Say Anything?

I went on COBRA coverage from my former employer back on June 1st. Paid my first monthly premium within a few days of June 1st. Then I later paid my July premiums using the payment coupon the COBRA administrator had sent to me.

While all of this was going on, I was scheduled for (and insurance approved) a major surgery for July 18th.

On Friday, July 14th, I got new insurance ID cards in the mail. I emailed the ex-employer’s HR person and asked why I received new ID cards from a completely different health insurance company. I was informed that the health insurance plan changed for the company back on July 1st.

I was wondering if anyone had any insight in to whether they can just change your health insurance like that without telling you? Seems odd? The plan is a totally new health insurance company, new deductibles, new premiums, new network, etc.

This has a significant impact on me in terms of my health as I now may have to delay the surgery and go back through the insurance preapproval process. Additionally, it looks like I have to remeet the deductible. I had already met the $3,000 calendar year deductible under the old plan. The new plan info I see says I now have a $5,000 calendar year deductible that I have to meet.

Needless to say, I’m incredibly frustrated right now. I’m wondering if anyone more experienced with COBRA has any idea of what questions I should be asking? This whole situation just doesn’t seem right.

submitted by /u/CatastrophicDisco
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