Insurance when you're laid off: What to ask for on your way out the door

Nobody wants a layoff notice, but critical insurance moves on your way out the door can help extend your health insurance (and other coverage) and save you thousands of dollars at a critical time.

Insurance.com spelled this out today in an article titled "Insurance smarts during a layoff: 3 must-do moves."

Among the advice:

• Ask for an extension of health care benefits. Ask for the employer to keep you covered for 3-6 months.
• Negotiate with your employer to have them pay COBRA insurance premiums, which can be very expensive.
• Convert group life insurance or group disability coverage to an individual plan, particularly if you're older.