[cece2711]

I live and worked in MA. I worked for the same employer for 20 years. They always paid my health insurance premium as a benefit to me. My last day of employment was Sept 30. I have not received a COBRA letter from my employer. The insurance was eligible until November 28. I received in the mail today a letter from the insurance carrier which I am deeming " COBRA Letter" as it states how to continue coverage and options. My questions are:
1. Is it the responsibility of the employer to notify me that as of 10/7, I had no insurance coverage? I am not
Sure how that date comes to play.
What recourse do I have for coverage?
2. I was always under the understanding that as an employer you had 14 days from time of separation to get the COBRA letter to the employee.
3. I have been told that because my former employer did not send me a COBRA letter within the 14 days following the separation, that they will need to pay the premium of new coverage or the cost of the COBRA, is that true?
4. The company has less than 20 employees, does that change any regulations with COBRA.
Please advise

[smearcase]

From U.S. Department of Labor site:
"Q3: Which employers are required to offer COBRA coverage?
Employers with 20 or more employees are usually required to offer COBRA coverage and to notify their employees of the availability of such coverage. COBRA applies to plans maintained by private-sector employers and sponsored by most state and local governments."


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[cece2711]

I guess Mini Cobra applies here. Can you tell me how that works and if the same laws governing COBRA apply?