What is best option for in-between job health insurance?

[lockedoutlogic]

No that's it...

Even if you have a big issue...you can retroactively pay and get full coverage under COBRA...since 1994/5

I was on it during job switches because I had a pre-existing...i paid the premium...but I k we I didnt have too

 

[disney1990]

Yes, even after something has happened. I did that for people when I was doing HR. Google the COBRA law. So if you only have a 30 day waiting period, I would wait it out.

 

[vratiana]

Cobra was definitely available retro active for me when I left my old job (and I think I actually had 90 days to take it, but I can't be sure of that one). I would absolutely wait. 30 days is not very long. You probably won't need it, but it is there in the event that you do. Also, if something minor comes up, that you do want to get checked by a doctor, weigh the cost before you go ahead and pay the Cobra. Paying out of pocket for a prescription or a strep test or a visit to Urgent care, etc, could be a lot cheaper than paying for that one month of Cobra.

 

[meriface11]

So regardless if an event has already happened or not, it has to go back to the last date of coverage? That is just so different than P&C. There is no way a carrier would bind a policy if the event in question has occurred already.

It has been drilled into me so long to avoid risks that I am having trouble going with COBRA on hold unless we need it.

Yes, it's always retro...even if you don't want or need it to be. If you are on your 59th day and decide to elect, you will be covered AND have to pay premiums back to day 1.

 

[StephMK]

Ok, thanks so much everyone! You are all making me feel much better about just waiting out COBRA. I will still have DH check on who can call in to get it activated but otherwise, it sounds like we will keep that on hold and hope we don't need to activate it.

I'm not worried about the more minor stuff. We have a pre-tax medical account for the weird stuff that might come up. I'm more worried about DH having a heart attack (heaven forbid) or some other catastrophic event we can't predict.

 

[LydiaAch]

I'm in this exact same position so I'm grateful for the information...thank you!