where do I turn? How much should I expect to pay? I've been surfing ehealthinsurance.com, is any one familiar with them? Luke.
i don't know how the health insurance laws work here in Georgia, but in NY, ex-employees could opt for COBRA and continue their coverage for up to 18 months (in some cases 36 or more with certain circumstances)... Do they offer continuation of coverage here in Georgia...? If so, that might be your best bet...? In NY, health insurance through an employer was expensive but it was still only a fraction of what it cost to buy it privately... We're talking $400+ for a single person - no spouse, no kids, no dependents whatsoever... In NY, ex-employees had 60 days from their date of termination to opt for COBRA... Again, i don't know how things work down here, but, depending on how long ago you quit your job, it might be something to look into... The other thing i might suggest, is to call a local insurance brokerage... Just tell them that you've quit your job and you'd like to know what options you, as an ex-employee of ABC, Inc. have and if you have any options now that you're not employed by anyone else, at this time... Granted, depending on the type of person you talk to, they just might hang up on you, but if you get someone nice who has two minutes to spare, they'll most likely let you know what the laws are and what your options are... Hope this helps...
I have Blue Cross HMO. I pay about $85 a month. I want to switch to a PPO and I think it will go up to around $125 I don't really remember the details of my policy. I pay $25 for my primary dr. and $40 for specialist, and $100 for ER. I went to a local insurance agency and they had plans from different companies you could choose from. I would search out a place like that in your area so you can pick what is best for you.
COBRA is a federal law. you can extend your insurance, at your cost, for up to 18 months after leaving your employer where you were insured. doody.
If your state has blue cross, check with them. I'm 31 years old and pay about $150/month for a nice plan. It is one of their mid-range plans. It doesn't cover every hangnail and stubbed toe like some plans (which leads to abuses due to convenience IMO, but that is another matter). If I get hurt, develop a chronic condition, or seriously ill, it will be there.
well, until they cancel your policy because it's too expensive to cover you. the health care system in the US is a total joke. doody.
The Cobra thing will cover you for a while. If I can remember you are covered for the 3 months and a payment is required before it expires. So, make a payment only if needed. Don't quote me on this. I am self employed so I use a prudent buyer policy that covers if something major happens. I'd be out of pocket $5K I think it is. Policy is under $100 per month with Blue Shield. I've used ehealthinsurance and they're fine. You get the same price as going direct.
Yes, you can have COBRA even if you quit and you have 60 days from your last date of employment to deicde whether you even want it or not (of course, payment must be submitted within that time frame as well)... Also, as Doody mentioned, COBRA is a FEDERAL law, not state - something i've quickly - and happily - forgotten since leaving NY... But yeah, they HAVE to give it to you...
Yes, I agree, COBRA has to be offered for continuation of coverage. You can be covered for 18 months for self and 36 months for dependents/spouse. For me, they wanted a $4500 premium due within the conversion period. I let that slide. I'm in the same predicament now. I am shopping Pacificare (available on the west coast only i believe). Sounds like the Blues are a way to go for you.