I lost my job that provides my insurance on August 1. I am eligible for the COBRA subsidy, but have just been informed that I have to pay $651.xx UP FRONT which will then be credited back to me over the next several months. The amount I SHOULD be paying under the subsidy is $195/month. The insurance company is telling me this is to ensure that someone's not getting the 35% subsidy rate when they should be paying 100%. How does this help, if you don't have the $651.xx to send? I didn't budget for this amount, because I was only supposed to be paying $195. Any suggestions??

Thanks!

Borrow it from a family member

Update - For any of you guys who may fall into this situation in the future...

If you qualify for the COBRA subsidy and your insurer tries to charge you for the full amount with the promise to "credit back" once they are satisified that you do indeed qualify, CALL YOUR STATE'S INSURANCE COMMISSIONER. According to the woman I spoke with at the insurance commissioner's office, this is an ILLEGAL practice. Long story short, it looks as if the insurance commissioner's office is going to handle it from here. BIG sigh of relief!

Mariah

You go girl! Thanks for the info.