danila
07-31 10:24 AM
The online case status reflects the notice dates and not the actual received dates....These are the dates the cases were entered into USCIS's systems...
I believe it's not the notice date. My notice date is one day after the date from their website. Most likely it's that date when they entered the case into the system.
I believe it's not the notice date. My notice date is one day after the date from their website. Most likely it's that date when they entered the case into the system.
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PD2002
04-04 01:24 PM
I have sent the fax to the senators in CA
hiralal
05-05 10:16 PM
Welcome. I urge you to browse this wonderful site and try to gather more information as to what IV has to offer and its history.
BTW: "sub prime" has nothing to do with the real estate market or the location of the house. It is a financial term to describe a "risk" category invented for the layman. People who got loans even though they do not have the 'prime' credit rating and paid zero down payment are the ones who are walking away from their houses. These foreclosed houses can be anywhere and probably in better locations than not, as their prices would not have precipitously climbed during 2003-2006 crazy years.
I agree with the above...subprime is not an area ..btw it is too late to link immigration with housing ..it did pick up some steam as shiller and others discussed it ,...THE Problem ..shiller and others wanted to give GC's to those who come to US on the first day ..he probably does not know that there are a million immigrant with good bank balances and GC (a small plastic card) is preventing them from buying a house.
as for the post above ..even 1 extra home sold helps ..and 100K homes sold definitely helps ...we just need to sell the idea and get the GC ..but maybe it is too late now
BTW: "sub prime" has nothing to do with the real estate market or the location of the house. It is a financial term to describe a "risk" category invented for the layman. People who got loans even though they do not have the 'prime' credit rating and paid zero down payment are the ones who are walking away from their houses. These foreclosed houses can be anywhere and probably in better locations than not, as their prices would not have precipitously climbed during 2003-2006 crazy years.
I agree with the above...subprime is not an area ..btw it is too late to link immigration with housing ..it did pick up some steam as shiller and others discussed it ,...THE Problem ..shiller and others wanted to give GC's to those who come to US on the first day ..he probably does not know that there are a million immigrant with good bank balances and GC (a small plastic card) is preventing them from buying a house.
as for the post above ..even 1 extra home sold helps ..and 100K homes sold definitely helps ...we just need to sell the idea and get the GC ..but maybe it is too late now
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solaris27
04-20 02:22 PM
you don't need visa to go through Frankfurt
more...
nozerd
04-13 11:21 AM
This whole GC system is so unfavorably tilted and discriminatory towards Indians its unbelievable.
I also think its very unfair. I being EB3 India with PD of August 2001 is stuck whereas someone in my same category who is EB3 World who filed 2 yrs later than me is now elig to get greencard.
This f.... sucks. Stupid f system
I also think its very unfair. I being EB3 India with PD of August 2001 is stuck whereas someone in my same category who is EB3 World who filed 2 yrs later than me is now elig to get greencard.
This f.... sucks. Stupid f system
karnamrao
08-22 02:13 PM
Based on the discussion with Charlie Oppenheim, Chief of Immigrant Visa Control and Reporting, DOS, the AILA has just released the following predictions:
EB-1 (All Countries): Closely match to September 2007 VB
EB-2 (All Countries): Closely match to September 2007 VB
EB-3 (All Countries): Similar to January 2007 VB
EB-3EW (All Countries): 10/01/2001
EB-4: N/A
EB-5: C
Please stay tuned.
EB-1 (All Countries): Closely match to September 2007 VB
EB-2 (All Countries): Closely match to September 2007 VB
EB-3 (All Countries): Similar to January 2007 VB
EB-3EW (All Countries): 10/01/2001
EB-4: N/A
EB-5: C
Please stay tuned.
more...
jchan
11-30 04:54 PM
Thanks for the good work. However, I saw a major potential flaw in estimating the applications from ROW. The report finds the life cycle for a ROWer to submit 485 is 1 year, thus assuming little AOS applications will be filed in the coming year from ROW. But this analysis forgot to consider those ROWers who started GC in year 2008. A person who started working in 11/2008 is ready to submit 485 now and uses one quota, even if a person who just started working won't be able to submit AOS till a year from now. With this under consideration, I feel the spillover will be much less than initially estimated.
Please correct me if I missed anything.
Please correct me if I missed anything.
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jasguild
07-17 10:34 AM
I agree with everybody on this thread. I agree this solution ( if any) will be a band aid. I also agree the band-aid is needed to prevent the wound from becoming fetid. I agree this may exacerbate problems.
For all these reasons, it is imperative we do not stop after this anouncement. Our long term goal has to be retrogression relief in one form or the other, including all or some of recapture of unused visas, increase in annual quota, resolution of the FBI name chack black hole, and more that able persons in IV can doubtless think of better than yours truly.
I, for one, am going to be a member of IV long after this anouncement.
WELL SAID!!!
The only thing I would like to add is, when we eventually get our GC, lets not forget those behind us!
jasquil
For all these reasons, it is imperative we do not stop after this anouncement. Our long term goal has to be retrogression relief in one form or the other, including all or some of recapture of unused visas, increase in annual quota, resolution of the FBI name chack black hole, and more that able persons in IV can doubtless think of better than yours truly.
I, for one, am going to be a member of IV long after this anouncement.
WELL SAID!!!
The only thing I would like to add is, when we eventually get our GC, lets not forget those behind us!
jasquil
more...
prioritydate
08-05 10:30 PM
see my signiture...
I think signature is not getting displayed here.
I think signature is not getting displayed here.
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yabadaba
08-01 12:03 PM
Looks like for July 2nd they just started and i talked to 5 other guys( who got receipt) - all of them has a sending time between 9 and 9:30 AM by FEDEX
Mine went around 11:30 by USPS on July 2nd - so i have to wait for at least 2weeks. 1 hr late means 1 week delay !!
Kidding - what time yours hit the USCIS building ?
mine reached at 7:55 am ...still no receipt :(
Mine went around 11:30 by USPS on July 2nd - so i have to wait for at least 2weeks. 1 hr late means 1 week delay !!
Kidding - what time yours hit the USCIS building ?
mine reached at 7:55 am ...still no receipt :(
more...
ganguteli
03-27 09:31 AM
The reason is...probably we are not toiling that hard....As long as one has a paying job, things go reasonably smooth.....and we dont toil as much as it is made out to be.
The issue comes only when one loses the job...and had to play catch-up with immigration to keep us in status.
That is also the reason why you don't get mass participation in legal immigration activities.
I presume people are just happy with the status-quo! They think of going that extra length only when that status quo gets disrupted..
My 2 cents!
People will do anything only when they are in trouble. Before that they are happy with their status and would rather spend their time and dollars on fun things in life. Only when reality hits hard they will do anything. A fragmented effort will never be successful. Imagine if this driver License is taken up by thousands of people in a state and they march to the governor office on a day. This issue will make national headlines and state will correct it soon.
The issue comes only when one loses the job...and had to play catch-up with immigration to keep us in status.
That is also the reason why you don't get mass participation in legal immigration activities.
I presume people are just happy with the status-quo! They think of going that extra length only when that status quo gets disrupted..
My 2 cents!
People will do anything only when they are in trouble. Before that they are happy with their status and would rather spend their time and dollars on fun things in life. Only when reality hits hard they will do anything. A fragmented effort will never be successful. Imagine if this driver License is taken up by thousands of people in a state and they march to the governor office on a day. This issue will make national headlines and state will correct it soon.
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BharatPremi
05-05 04:25 PM
Gurus,
Since EB2-India is current, I am exploring the possibility of interfiling.
Goal: Interfile in such a way that my new application under EB2 (New case
category) get attached with old case (EB3) priority date (07/2003) and
thus enable me to take advantage of EB2 current PD as declared in
April 2008 bulletin.
GC Application/s history:
-----------------------
OLD APPLICATION
Employer: xyz
Category: EB3-RIR Conversion-India
Priority Date: 07/2003
Labor approved
I-140 approved
I-140 approval date: 06/2007
AP and EAD approved
485 receipt date: 07/1*/2007
NEW APPLICATION
Employer: ZAB
Category: EB2-India
Priority Date: 06/2006
PERM LABOR approved
I-140 approved
I-140 approval date:08/2006
No AP/EAD/485 applied under this application
Notes: (1) Currently working for company CDE on EAD.
(2) "A" number on both I-140 are similar and different from "A" number
on 485 file.
(3) Occupation codes for both category are "Close" and matches the
job profile with current employment on EAD
Question: Is my goal achievable? If yes, then what to do and how to
proceed?
Thanks in advance for any help to sort this out.
- BharatPremi
Update: My lawyer just got back to me on this. Since I wanted the interfiling in such a way that I can maintain old PD ( July 2003 based - EB3 filing - 485 filed under this) with new application category EB2 (new application - June 2006 PD), lawyer told me that it is not possible. Once I interfile my new application, end effect will be having my 485 based on EB2- with new priority date (June 2006). So at this moment I have 2 choices...
1) Wait out till July 2003 under EB3-India become current
2) If EB3-India is not moving at all or July 2003 does not become current for EB3 but meanwhile if EB2-India cutoff date crosses June 2006 then file interfiling.
Since EB2-India is current, I am exploring the possibility of interfiling.
Goal: Interfile in such a way that my new application under EB2 (New case
category) get attached with old case (EB3) priority date (07/2003) and
thus enable me to take advantage of EB2 current PD as declared in
April 2008 bulletin.
GC Application/s history:
-----------------------
OLD APPLICATION
Employer: xyz
Category: EB3-RIR Conversion-India
Priority Date: 07/2003
Labor approved
I-140 approved
I-140 approval date: 06/2007
AP and EAD approved
485 receipt date: 07/1*/2007
NEW APPLICATION
Employer: ZAB
Category: EB2-India
Priority Date: 06/2006
PERM LABOR approved
I-140 approved
I-140 approval date:08/2006
No AP/EAD/485 applied under this application
Notes: (1) Currently working for company CDE on EAD.
(2) "A" number on both I-140 are similar and different from "A" number
on 485 file.
(3) Occupation codes for both category are "Close" and matches the
job profile with current employment on EAD
Question: Is my goal achievable? If yes, then what to do and how to
proceed?
Thanks in advance for any help to sort this out.
- BharatPremi
Update: My lawyer just got back to me on this. Since I wanted the interfiling in such a way that I can maintain old PD ( July 2003 based - EB3 filing - 485 filed under this) with new application category EB2 (new application - June 2006 PD), lawyer told me that it is not possible. Once I interfile my new application, end effect will be having my 485 based on EB2- with new priority date (June 2006). So at this moment I have 2 choices...
1) Wait out till July 2003 under EB3-India become current
2) If EB3-India is not moving at all or July 2003 does not become current for EB3 but meanwhile if EB2-India cutoff date crosses June 2006 then file interfiling.
more...
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PD_Dec2002
06-29 08:14 AM
I have been resisting reading this thread until now. Had a gut feeling that something with such an idiotic title cannot have anything meaningful. Anyway, just read this and couldn't help rolling on the floor!
So basically this crackpot "rajakannan" files in June and tries to con everyone into applying on July 31st, thus ensuring two things (IMHO):
1. USCIS won't delay sending his EAD and AP due to deluge of I-485 applications.
2. In case the dates retrogress middle of the month (mid-July) due to large volumes of I-485s from people (from other countries or those who don't visit here), then that reduces additional backlog for his case.
Good job, "rajakannan", you have only managed to insult your intelligence by starting this thread. Members/Visitors here have noble intentions and hearts of gold not to wish bad things for your I-485.
Crawl back under your mushroom and don't ever come here again.
Thanks,
Jayant
So basically this crackpot "rajakannan" files in June and tries to con everyone into applying on July 31st, thus ensuring two things (IMHO):
1. USCIS won't delay sending his EAD and AP due to deluge of I-485 applications.
2. In case the dates retrogress middle of the month (mid-July) due to large volumes of I-485s from people (from other countries or those who don't visit here), then that reduces additional backlog for his case.
Good job, "rajakannan", you have only managed to insult your intelligence by starting this thread. Members/Visitors here have noble intentions and hearts of gold not to wish bad things for your I-485.
Crawl back under your mushroom and don't ever come here again.
Thanks,
Jayant
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nefrateedi
07-19 11:06 AM
This is what you can do - Both in Mumbai and in Delhi, you have USCIS approved doctors who help people going through CP. In other words those who choose to go through emp based CP or family based Green Card which US embassy issues, go through Indian hospitals in Mumbai and Delhi. I think Gangaram in Mumbai has this facility. Ask your wife to get it done from there. Do not wait till the last moment, as someone pointed out, a slight delay in flight could............
Note that for employment based adjustment of status cases, the medicals ABSOLUTELY have to be done in the US by a USCIS approved civil surgeon. One can get the immunizations done in their home country, however the exam has to be done in the US.
Note that for employment based adjustment of status cases, the medicals ABSOLUTELY have to be done in the US by a USCIS approved civil surgeon. One can get the immunizations done in their home country, however the exam has to be done in the US.
more...
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paskal
07-13 11:16 PM
Hi everyone,
I reviewed the text of the bill...and, to the best of my understanding, the Dream Act applies to both legal and illegal children. This bill is crucial for me. I am 27 years old and have been in the United States since age 1 (Yes, 26 years)...LEGALLY!!! My husband (i married another visa holder and changed my status about 5 years ago) and I have been pending for a greencard for about 2.5 years now (I'm not counting the other failed attempts)...and still no luck. I completed my bachelors degree in Psychology years ago and cannot work (my field of study is fairly common in the US...nobody I've come across was willing to sponsor for an h-1). Unfortunately, going back to my "home" county isn't an option for me because this is the only home I've ever known. Anyhow, I would really appreciate everyone's support...hopefully this piece of legislation can benefit people like myself and we can contribute to society as well. Thanks!! :)
are certain about this?
the recent versions of the DREAM act were clearly meant ONLY for children without documentation. that remains one of the most troublesome aspects of this legislation.
to address the comments above: sure we are all for the kids of illegal workers, but we would like to see the same benefits at least be provided to those who play by the rules....the above story is an excellent example of this.
I reviewed the text of the bill...and, to the best of my understanding, the Dream Act applies to both legal and illegal children. This bill is crucial for me. I am 27 years old and have been in the United States since age 1 (Yes, 26 years)...LEGALLY!!! My husband (i married another visa holder and changed my status about 5 years ago) and I have been pending for a greencard for about 2.5 years now (I'm not counting the other failed attempts)...and still no luck. I completed my bachelors degree in Psychology years ago and cannot work (my field of study is fairly common in the US...nobody I've come across was willing to sponsor for an h-1). Unfortunately, going back to my "home" county isn't an option for me because this is the only home I've ever known. Anyhow, I would really appreciate everyone's support...hopefully this piece of legislation can benefit people like myself and we can contribute to society as well. Thanks!! :)
are certain about this?
the recent versions of the DREAM act were clearly meant ONLY for children without documentation. that remains one of the most troublesome aspects of this legislation.
to address the comments above: sure we are all for the kids of illegal workers, but we would like to see the same benefits at least be provided to those who play by the rules....the above story is an excellent example of this.
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MLS
06-26 03:05 PM
Congratulations !!
My PD is Oct 2001.
Can you please explain what you meant by
"Senator Inquiry 5 days ago yielded result that cards will be ordered in 30 days" ?
Did you send an inquiry ? And how ?
Thanks and regards,
MLS
PD Aug 2001
RD Jan 2005
CSC case transfered to NSC in Feb 07
Senator Inquiry 5 days ago yielded result that cards will be ordered in 30 days.
My PD is Oct 2001.
Can you please explain what you meant by
"Senator Inquiry 5 days ago yielded result that cards will be ordered in 30 days" ?
Did you send an inquiry ? And how ?
Thanks and regards,
MLS
PD Aug 2001
RD Jan 2005
CSC case transfered to NSC in Feb 07
Senator Inquiry 5 days ago yielded result that cards will be ordered in 30 days.
more...
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gjoe
12-24 09:23 PM
This is good news for all of us who have EB3 I PD after 2Oct2001. Good news on a holiday to start a good start for the new year.
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like_watching_paint_dry
09-19 05:27 PM
Let me explain you in very human form: Baby is the fruit. It takes 9 months to get that fruit. To get that fruit humans put effort ( You know what I mean...). When they put effort, immediately they do not look for baby.. They wait for 9 months.. Correct.. Just apply this analogy to the struggle what we have initiated.:)
:eek: Okay what exactly did you do in DC? ;)
:D
:eek: Okay what exactly did you do in DC? ;)
:D
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Circus123
07-10 08:04 AM
In my opinion, we should not spend any resources on this guy and or to oppose who oppose our views.
We should stick to getting our goals achieved instead of fighting those who are fighting us.
Lou Dobb seems to discourage illegal immigration but is all for legal immigration ...
We should stick to getting our goals achieved instead of fighting those who are fighting us.
Lou Dobb seems to discourage illegal immigration but is all for legal immigration ...
nixstor
07-06 07:10 PM
please, go to http://www.wandtv.com/
Is it the synopsis or the total video?
Is it the synopsis or the total video?
logiclife
01-09 12:14 PM
http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_consumer_cobra.HTML
FAQs About COBRA Continuation Health Coverage
What is COBRA continuation health coverage?
Congress passed the landmark Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) health benefit provisions in 1986. The law amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the Internal Revenue Code and the Public Health Service Act to provide continuation of group health coverage that otherwise might be terminated.
What does COBRA do?
COBRA provides certain former employees, retirees, spouses, former spouses, and dependent children the right to temporary continuation of health coverage at group rates. This coverage, however, is only available when coverage is lost due to certain specific events. Group health coverage for COBRA participants is usually more expensive than health coverage for active employees, since usually the employer pays a part of the premium for active employees while COBRA participants generally pay the entire premium themselves. It is ordinarily less expensive, though, than individual health coverage.
Who is entitled to benefits under COBRA?
There are three elements to qualifying for COBRA benefits. COBRA establishes specific criteria for plans, qualified beneficiaries, and qualifying events:
Plan Coverage - Group health plans for employers with 20 or more employees on more than 50 percent of its typical business days in the previous calendar year are subject to COBRA. Both full and part-time employees are counted to determine whether a plan is subject to COBRA. Each part-time employee counts as a fraction of an employee, with the fraction equal to the number of hours that the part-time employee worked divided by the hours an employee must work to be considered full time.
Qualified Beneficiaries - A qualified beneficiary generally is an individual covered by a group health plan on the day before a qualifying event who is either an employee, the employee's spouse, or an employee's dependent child. In certain cases, a retired employee, the retired employee's spouse, and the retired employee's dependent children may be qualified beneficiaries. In addition, any child born to or placed for adoption with a covered employee during the period of COBRA coverage is considered a qualified beneficiary. Agents, independent contractors, and directors who participate in the group health plan may also be qualified beneficiaries.
Qualifying Events - Qualifying events are certain events that would cause an individual to lose health coverage. The type of qualifying event will determine who the qualified beneficiaries are and the amount of time that a plan must offer the health coverage to them under COBRA. A plan, at its discretion, may provide longer periods of continuation coverage.
Qualifying Events for Employees:
Voluntary or involuntary termination of employment for reasons other than gross misconduct
Reduction in the number of hours of employment
Qualifying Events for Spouses:
Voluntary or involuntary termination of the covered employee's employment for any reason other than gross misconduct
Reduction in the hours worked by the covered employee
Covered employee's becoming entitled to Medicare
Divorce or legal separation of the covered employee
Death of the covered employee
Qualifying Events for Dependent Children:
Loss of dependent child status under the plan rules
Voluntary or involuntary termination of the covered employee's employment for any reason other than gross misconduct
Reduction in the hours worked by the covered employee
Covered employee's becoming entitled to Medicare
Divorce or legal separation of the covered employee
Death of the covered employee
How does a person become eligible for COBRA continuation coverage?
To be eligible for COBRA coverage, you must have been enrolled in your employer's health plan when you worked and the health plan must continue to be in effect for active employees. COBRA continuation coverage is available upon the occurrence of a qualifying event that would, except for the COBRA continuation coverage, cause an individual to lose his or her health care coverage.
What group health plans are subject to COBRA?
The law generally covers health plans maintained by private-sector employers with 20 or more employees, employee organizations, or state or local governments.
What process must individuals follow to elect COBRA continuation coverage?
Employers must notify plan administrators of a qualifying event within 30 days after an employee's death, termination, reduced hours of employment or entitlement to Medicare.
A qualified beneficiary must notify the plan administrator of a qualifying event within 60 days after divorce or legal separation or a child's ceasing to be covered as a dependent under plan rules.
Plan participants and beneficiaries generally must be sent an election notice not later than 14 days after the plan administrator receives notice that a qualifying event has occurred. The individual then has 60 days to decide whether to elect COBRA continuation coverage. The person has 45 days after electing coverage to pay the initial premium.
How long after a qualifying event do I have to elect COBRA coverage?
Qualified beneficiaries must be given an election period during which each qualified beneficiary may choose whether to elect COBRA coverage. Each qualified beneficiary may independently elect COBRA coverage. A covered employee or the covered employee's spouse may elect COBRA coverage on behalf of all other qualified beneficiaries. A parent or legal guardian may elect on behalf of a minor child. Qualified beneficiaries must be given at least 60 days for the election. This period is measured from the later of the coverage loss date or the date the COBRA election notice is provided by the employer or plan administrator. The election notice must be provided in person or by first class mail within 14 days after the plan administrator receives notice that a qualifying event has occurred.
How do I file a COBRA claim for benefits?
Health plan rules must explain how to obtain benefits and must include written procedures for processing claims. Claims procedures must be described in the Summary Plan Description.
You should submit a claim for benefits in accordance with the plan's rules for filing claims. If the claim is denied, you must be given notice of the denial in writing generally within 90 days after the claim is filed. The notice should state the reasons for the denial, any additional information needed to support the claim, and procedures for appealing the denial.
You will have at least 60 days to appeal a denial and you must receive a decision on the appeal generally within 60 days after that.
Contact the plan administrator for more information on filing a claim for benefits. Complete plan rules are available from employers or benefits offices. There can be charges up to 25 cents a page for copies of plan rules.
Can individuals qualify for longer periods of COBRA continuation coverage?
Yes, disability can extend the 18 month period of continuation coverage for a qualifying event that is a termination of employment or reduction of hours. To qualify for additional months of COBRA continuation coverage, the qualified beneficiary must:
Have a ruling from the Social Security Administration that he or she became disabled within the first 60 days of COBRA continuation coverage
Send the plan a copy of the Social Security ruling letter within 60 days of receipt, but prior to expiration of the 18-month period of coverage
If these requirements are met, the entire family qualifies for an additional 11 months of COBRA continuation coverage. Plans can charge 150% of the premium cost for the extended period of coverage.
FAQs About COBRA Continuation Health Coverage
What is COBRA continuation health coverage?
Congress passed the landmark Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) health benefit provisions in 1986. The law amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the Internal Revenue Code and the Public Health Service Act to provide continuation of group health coverage that otherwise might be terminated.
What does COBRA do?
COBRA provides certain former employees, retirees, spouses, former spouses, and dependent children the right to temporary continuation of health coverage at group rates. This coverage, however, is only available when coverage is lost due to certain specific events. Group health coverage for COBRA participants is usually more expensive than health coverage for active employees, since usually the employer pays a part of the premium for active employees while COBRA participants generally pay the entire premium themselves. It is ordinarily less expensive, though, than individual health coverage.
Who is entitled to benefits under COBRA?
There are three elements to qualifying for COBRA benefits. COBRA establishes specific criteria for plans, qualified beneficiaries, and qualifying events:
Plan Coverage - Group health plans for employers with 20 or more employees on more than 50 percent of its typical business days in the previous calendar year are subject to COBRA. Both full and part-time employees are counted to determine whether a plan is subject to COBRA. Each part-time employee counts as a fraction of an employee, with the fraction equal to the number of hours that the part-time employee worked divided by the hours an employee must work to be considered full time.
Qualified Beneficiaries - A qualified beneficiary generally is an individual covered by a group health plan on the day before a qualifying event who is either an employee, the employee's spouse, or an employee's dependent child. In certain cases, a retired employee, the retired employee's spouse, and the retired employee's dependent children may be qualified beneficiaries. In addition, any child born to or placed for adoption with a covered employee during the period of COBRA coverage is considered a qualified beneficiary. Agents, independent contractors, and directors who participate in the group health plan may also be qualified beneficiaries.
Qualifying Events - Qualifying events are certain events that would cause an individual to lose health coverage. The type of qualifying event will determine who the qualified beneficiaries are and the amount of time that a plan must offer the health coverage to them under COBRA. A plan, at its discretion, may provide longer periods of continuation coverage.
Qualifying Events for Employees:
Voluntary or involuntary termination of employment for reasons other than gross misconduct
Reduction in the number of hours of employment
Qualifying Events for Spouses:
Voluntary or involuntary termination of the covered employee's employment for any reason other than gross misconduct
Reduction in the hours worked by the covered employee
Covered employee's becoming entitled to Medicare
Divorce or legal separation of the covered employee
Death of the covered employee
Qualifying Events for Dependent Children:
Loss of dependent child status under the plan rules
Voluntary or involuntary termination of the covered employee's employment for any reason other than gross misconduct
Reduction in the hours worked by the covered employee
Covered employee's becoming entitled to Medicare
Divorce or legal separation of the covered employee
Death of the covered employee
How does a person become eligible for COBRA continuation coverage?
To be eligible for COBRA coverage, you must have been enrolled in your employer's health plan when you worked and the health plan must continue to be in effect for active employees. COBRA continuation coverage is available upon the occurrence of a qualifying event that would, except for the COBRA continuation coverage, cause an individual to lose his or her health care coverage.
What group health plans are subject to COBRA?
The law generally covers health plans maintained by private-sector employers with 20 or more employees, employee organizations, or state or local governments.
What process must individuals follow to elect COBRA continuation coverage?
Employers must notify plan administrators of a qualifying event within 30 days after an employee's death, termination, reduced hours of employment or entitlement to Medicare.
A qualified beneficiary must notify the plan administrator of a qualifying event within 60 days after divorce or legal separation or a child's ceasing to be covered as a dependent under plan rules.
Plan participants and beneficiaries generally must be sent an election notice not later than 14 days after the plan administrator receives notice that a qualifying event has occurred. The individual then has 60 days to decide whether to elect COBRA continuation coverage. The person has 45 days after electing coverage to pay the initial premium.
How long after a qualifying event do I have to elect COBRA coverage?
Qualified beneficiaries must be given an election period during which each qualified beneficiary may choose whether to elect COBRA coverage. Each qualified beneficiary may independently elect COBRA coverage. A covered employee or the covered employee's spouse may elect COBRA coverage on behalf of all other qualified beneficiaries. A parent or legal guardian may elect on behalf of a minor child. Qualified beneficiaries must be given at least 60 days for the election. This period is measured from the later of the coverage loss date or the date the COBRA election notice is provided by the employer or plan administrator. The election notice must be provided in person or by first class mail within 14 days after the plan administrator receives notice that a qualifying event has occurred.
How do I file a COBRA claim for benefits?
Health plan rules must explain how to obtain benefits and must include written procedures for processing claims. Claims procedures must be described in the Summary Plan Description.
You should submit a claim for benefits in accordance with the plan's rules for filing claims. If the claim is denied, you must be given notice of the denial in writing generally within 90 days after the claim is filed. The notice should state the reasons for the denial, any additional information needed to support the claim, and procedures for appealing the denial.
You will have at least 60 days to appeal a denial and you must receive a decision on the appeal generally within 60 days after that.
Contact the plan administrator for more information on filing a claim for benefits. Complete plan rules are available from employers or benefits offices. There can be charges up to 25 cents a page for copies of plan rules.
Can individuals qualify for longer periods of COBRA continuation coverage?
Yes, disability can extend the 18 month period of continuation coverage for a qualifying event that is a termination of employment or reduction of hours. To qualify for additional months of COBRA continuation coverage, the qualified beneficiary must:
Have a ruling from the Social Security Administration that he or she became disabled within the first 60 days of COBRA continuation coverage
Send the plan a copy of the Social Security ruling letter within 60 days of receipt, but prior to expiration of the 18-month period of coverage
If these requirements are met, the entire family qualifies for an additional 11 months of COBRA continuation coverage. Plans can charge 150% of the premium cost for the extended period of coverage.
