And Then There is Obamacare

Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Devon Still was cut by the team last week. Normally this kind of event does not make news, and especially not on InsureBlog. 

But there is more to the story than just an out of work football player.

In June, doctors diagnosed his 4-year-old daughter, Leah, with a potentially fatal, rare form of cancer called neuroblastoma. 

Earlier this week, Still, who skipped much of the team's minicamp practices to be with his little girl, got cut from the Bengals' roster, leaving the 25-year-old former All-American without a job or medical insurance. 

People

Our heart goes out to the Still family, and especially their daughter Leah. We pray for a full recovery.

So why did this story pop up on our radar?

Because of this line, "leaving the 25-year-old former All-American without a job or medical insurance. "

Out of work, yes.

But losing insurance, no.

Mr. Still should have had access to COBRA once his group plan ended. Even if COBRA was not an option, loss of coverage is a "qualifying life event" making him eligible to purchase an Obamacare plan in the open market.

The good news is, the team opted to re-sign Mr. Still for their practice squad. This move provides him with a salary and continued access to the team health insurance.

That's the good news.

But when will reporters get the story straight? Loss of job does not equal loss of health insurance.