u/JournalSquire

Hi all. Back in October 2025 my employer decided to wind-down operations and laid off most staff. They provided employees with one year of COBRA coverage. Fast forward, I recently accepted a job offer to start a new role in August 2026. My new employer’s plan isn’t great and requires significant employee contributions. They allow employees to opt-out to join a spouse’s plan instead. I’d like to join my husband’s health plan (United Health Care) as his employer covers 100% of family and it’s a better plan.

When we called UHC and explained the situation, they said getting me on my spouse’s employer health plan shouldn’t be an issue. But when we wrote to UHC to get this in writing, they said I am not eligible to join my spouse’s health plan as they consider this a voluntary termination of COBRA.

In the meantime, I’m required to notify my former employer of accepting a new job so they can cease the COBRA payments.

Can anyone share guidance on the conflicting info I’m getting from UHC and whether the end to COBRA payments by my former employer qualifies me to join my husband’s health plan outside of his Open Enrollment period? Thank you so much.

Saw this op-ed this morning and wanted to hear perspectives. As a parent who walks with their child every day to and back from school, I continue to be appalled by how unsafe Jersey City streets continue to be. I love this city and value walkability but I find walking here, especially in Ward C, so unpleasant because of how awful the drivers are: the complete disregard for our safety when people park on sidewalks and daylighted spaces with JCPD officers doing nothing, the constant honking, the reckless driving, and large trucks barreling down our residential streets even with “No trucks” signage.

Text:
Dear Mayor Solomon,

As June 13 approaches, we mark the tragic anniversary of the traffic death of six-year-old Eli Bender. Our family deeply mourns this loss not only as friends to the Benders, but as our daughter, fellow classmate to Eli, continues to cope with this unimaginable loss.

I am writing this open letter because our community deserves answers—and because no family should ever have to endure such a loss again.

What concrete changes have been made at the intersection of Jersey Ave and 6th Street since Eli’s death to improve safety and prevent another tragedy?

Why does it appear that existing traffic and parking laws continue to go largely unenforced by the Jersey City Police Department?

Why are large delivery trucks still permitted to travel at speed on narrow Jersey City streets when other cities have implemented restrictions and safeguards that require the use of smaller delivery vehicles in dense residential areas?

What specific actions is Jersey City taking today—not years from now, and not merely in planning documents—to achieve Vision Zero and eliminate preventable traffic deaths?

The residents of Jersey City deserve clear answers, accountability, and a demonstrated commitment to making our streets safe for everyone.

Finally, we invite the community to join us at the corner of Jersey Avenue & 6th Street next Saturday, June 13th at 11 a.m. to honor Eli’s memory, hold our loved ones close, and recommit ourselves to taking meaningful action to prevent the senseless and devastating loss of life on Jersey City’s streets.

Yay for more good restaurants in JSQ!