Extending Cobra Discount?

[disneymom2003]

My husband was laid off in May of this year. We have been receiving A 65% discount on Cobra re: the Obama stimulus package. Has any one heard if this will be extended? He still does not have a job and we could not get insurance on our own (affordable that is) Crossing my fingers

 

[bumbershoot]

All I know is that it goes through the end of December, for those laid off this year and even back in December (maybe November) of last year. I'm out of the loop now, but I haven't seen anything about it being extended.

It was amazing to find out how much hubby's employer had been paying for our insurance...we were so glad for the discount this year. But while he was busy trying to find a job, I was looking into all the insurance options...I ended up contacting a person I found through my local State Farm; she actually does that office's health insurance (b/c SF doesn't do health insurance in WA state anymore) and she sent me out a really comprehensive packet of info with various policies from various companies. Have you found anyone like that yet? Helpful. Unfortunately, for those of us who still want to have babies, it's expensive, b/c adding maternity for the "just in case" stuff bumps that policy up tremendously.

Good luck in finding a policy, and good luck to your husband in finding a job!!!!

 

[disneymom2003]

No I haven't started looking yet. The program is suppose to pay for 9 months which will end for us at the end of January. The problem is I have pre existing medical. I work in the beauty industry and although most salons do not offer health insurance we may be able to get it through a group in the beauty industry. It is bad enough that a person gets laid off but for us Cobra would have been $1,300 a month. Certainly can't afford that o unemployment.

 

[wdwfan1]

Most new plans waive the pre-existing clause for people who have been insured and have no lapse in coverage. So, if you have been covered without even one day lapse, you may be okay. It is worth checking out.

 

[msmayor]

Most new plans waive the pre-existing clause for people who have been insured and have no lapse in coverage. So, if you have been covered without even one day lapse, you may be okay. It is worth checking out.

Exactly...which is why when one is faced with the need to change insurance plans its vitally important to get your ducks in a row BEFORE the policy you're moving from lapses.