Question: My husband and I were enrolled in his former company’s group insurance plan and when he left the company 3 months ago we decided to go with Cobra instead of enrolling under my company’s group insurance plan because of a medical treatment that they provide coverage for that we need, that my company’s insurance plan does not cover. My question is I don’t know how long we can afford to pay the high Cobra premium. We pay 100% out of pocket for the premium, no government subsidy. In the event we lose Cobra because we can’t afford to pay the premium, will it be considered a qualifying event for us to enroll under my company’s group insurance plan? Thank you.

Answer: No. Unaffordable coverage is not a qualifying event. So you’ll have to wait until your employer’s open enrollment period to sign up.