COBRA vs. Independent Health Insurance

[Sweety_tweety]

I am curious to hear about other people's experience with COBRA and independent health insurance companies.

I expect that I will be laid off in the next 3 - 6 months. My DH is currently on my insurance. DH's company offers to pay for 1/2 his insurance from a company of his choice--no coverage for the spouse. I have not received any COBRA paperwork yet. Not sure if we would be better off both of us going on to COBRA or having DH go on his own with an independent company. I guess maybe I should wait until I get more info--I am just trying to get all my ducks in a row.

Maybe I am opening a can of worms, but any suggestions for independent insurance companies would be appreciated.

I THINK ehealthinsurance.com was featured on Dr. Phil. Does anyone remember this? I hope if it was featured on Dr. Phil it should be fairly reliable. I searched the Dr. Phil website and can't find the show. I just want to make sure I am looking at the right website. Thanks for any help.

 

[Swmr359]

I used to be on COBRA... while it was nice to stay with my old insurance; it was expensive! I save almost $400 a month now that I have switched off COBRA. I would get COBRA to cover you while you are waiting to be accepted, so you don't have any lose in coverage.

 

[gardengalB4]

I used COBRA for one month after my husband died....The cost was well over $400...

I went to a local independent agent
& got coverage of comparable quality for at least $100 less!

 

[3boymthr]

The time for COBRA supplemental payments has been extended by the government so you may be eligible for that if you are laid off soon. This may buy you some time to investigate your options even more, plus this option, if available will definitely be less expensive than private insurance.

 

[GMMAR]

The cost will vary greatly. On Cobra you are responsible for the entire cost of the policy. This for a family plan can be as much as $1000.00 at our company as you must stay with the same plan. You may be able to get a private plan with higher deductible or reduced coverage for considerably less.
There are time constraints. Most plans you have 30 days from your last day on the job to be eligible for continuation of coverage to avoid pre existing condition riders. You are smart to be looking at this now. Get some private quotes. You may check with independent local agencies also.