COBRA-why so problematic?

I don’t know about you, but I have horrible luck getting COBRA to pay claims the first time.  For some reason, when this special, expensive coverage is supposed to kick in, it doesn’t – time and time again.  Patients always say they’ve got COBRA and there should be coverage, but the denials flow in.  Sometimes, it takes numerous phone calls before things get sorted out.  It’s the most bizarre thing.  If a patient has COBRA, just keep trying to submit your claims, EVENTUALLY they should get paid.  This is definitely a case where it helps to have the patient call and follow-up too….Considering how expensive it is, you’d think they’d treat these people and their coverage like royalty, instead, it’s like they’re at the bottom of the food chain.  Very odd.