If COBRA isn't an option, then what else??

[quentina]

I'm looking for some BTDT advice...

DH was laid off a week ago Monday. Our health insurance will end Feb. 28. We have our boys on Blue Chip and had been paying for it (sliding scale based on income). Now we'll most likely qualify for the free program. However, COBRA just for DH and I will be $870/mo. There is NO WAY we can afford this. Our savings will be eaten up in no time. He is actively looking for another job, but we just don't know how long we'll be without coverage. We're looking into major medical at least to help with anything catastrophic if it should arise. Are there any other options out there?

Call you local carrier (BCBS, United HC etc) and see about private insurance. It is usually cheaper than Cobra. Also, look into state programs (In PA, it is CHIP). It is reasonable and quality coverage. Some states also offer adult programs.

My advise is DO NOT let it lapse....no matter what you have to do......

 

[Snoozan]

At my local hospital here in Massachusetts, there is a department that helps individuals deal with insurance issues - of course, here in Mass health insurance is mandatory, but there are different options for us. There is the COBRA reimbursement program, state health-run plans, premium reimbursement on ER sponsored plans and even coverage thru state unemployment. You might want to check to see if there's such a department at your local hospital.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

We faced this with DH's layoff.

Fortunately in our case, his bossed paid 1 extra month of coverage and DH began a new (though quite distant) job that began the following month, so we had no lapse.

In our case we would have been otherwise uninsurable. Since I am pregnant, I would have automatically qualified for medicaid.

We found out that DH's former co-worker is in precisely the same predicament. Only--he is uninsurable due to his wife's pregnancy. From what we understand (and as brilliant as he is in any career, he's not the sharpest tool in the shed IRL)--he can't get it b/c his wife cannot be covered. She qualifies for state medicaid--and they've managed to foul up the application. B/c they are still waiting. (According to a doula friend of mine, there is no wait period and they must have somehow not properly disclosed her condition as coverage is not contingent upon income.)

We would have been otherwise--screwed and if what our friend experienced is true--then my kids would have gotten it through teh state as well, but DH would have not had coverage.

I would find an insurance agent and have them shop and see what they can locate for you.

Cobra at least--if you qualify based upon your former employer's eligibility--had a portion of the payment covered by teh govt for a certain time period.

DH's company only had 10 employees and we were SOL.

 

[Ohiodislover]

We purchased short term insurance for me, and 2 DDs. I don't remember the company, the total for the 3 months we needed were equal to the 3 months of COBRA.

DH was included because he had a pre-existing condition. But had no problems getting insurance at his new job. No problems with a lapse in coverage.

One thing--If you still have coverage, make sure your Dr. writes 3 month scripts for any prescriptions, and get them filled before it runs out.