When you have job-based Alabama group health insurance, you may be wondering what will happen to your plan if you change jobs. Many people are unsure whether changing employment will mean their coverage ends or if it is portable.

There are a number of options available to you when you are switching jobs – if your new employer offers health insurance as part of the employment package, you can just change plans. Should this not be the case, you may qualify for the “COBRA” scheme, which means that your employer must continue your health insurance for up to 18 months after you leave your job. This will probably cost you more, especially if your employer was contributing to the cost of premiums as you will now need to pay the full cost yourself.

There may also be the option of converting your health insurance to an individual policy, or, if all else fails, enrolling in a temporary short-tem health plan which usually provides at least a basic level of coverage and lasts for a few months.  

It’s important not to be left without health coverage – an illness or emergency could leave you thousands out of pocket. It’s also important to examine the Summary Plan Description of your Alabama group health insurance policy and to find out your options for coverage before you leave your job.  
 

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