Cross posted from the Lounge: Question about healthcare coverage lapse. Help!

[PassingFair]

I am thinking of leaving a job with healthcare coverage (Blue Cross) and
taking another job that will provide healthcare coverage. Problem?

The coverage won't begin for 3 months. No exceptions, they say.

Have any of you been in this situation?

I have tried to look at COBRA rates, but it seems that affordable
rates for short term are only provided for people who are FIRED,
not those who choose to change employers.

I am responsible for our family of four, as my husband works
as a contractor and does not have healthcare with the company
who "employs" him. None of us have any "pre-existing conditions",
although my youngest daughter has been diagnosed with PCOS.

Anyone cross this particular bridge lately?

[napoleon_in_rags]

1. There are short term catastrophic plans you can buy to cover the 3 months.

Independent of employer.

But this situation is DUMB. These Republicans sit around espousing the values of competition, while supporting this status quo insurance system that prevents employees from easily switching jobs, so employers would have to compete for employees.

[PassingFair]

3. I know, it's infuriating.

We're slaves to the corporations for health care coverage.

It's GOT to change.

[napoleon_in_rags]

5. Its really a terror of free markets the Republicans have.

They believe in "competition" until it gets a group of the right people on top, then its total oligarchy, total government control to keep those same people on top to block out real competition from happening.

[Walk away]

2. This is such a good question. Here in NJ I would say from experience ...

that you should pick up some kind of coverage in order to bridge the gap. The rules are different in every state and they change almost every year. The best thing to do is find an agent you can trust to help you figure out the safest and cheapest way to cover your family.

Three years ago I let my insurance lapse for six months while I changed my business. Four days after my new policy started I had an accident that resulted in three operations, a hospital stay and PT. Many thousands of dollars were covered. I would have been shit out of luck if It had happened the week before.

Good luck in your new job!

[PassingFair]

4. Face to face interview is tomorrow....

so I haven't accepted it yet.

But if they make a solid offer, I'm taking it.

I poked around a bit looking for "gap" coverage, and I think
I can get a catastrophic plan for an affordable price.

The COBRA looked like it was going to cost over $1200 per MONTH!

I think I'll load us up on prescriptions and go with the "worst case scenario"
gap plan.

IF everything works out!

Thanks for the input, guys!

[SheilaT]

6. I just googled COBRA and immediately found this website:

http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq-consumer-cobra.html

If I'm reading it correctly, you can leave a job voluntarily and still elect COBRA coverage. It's just that you might have to pay a premium larger than you can afford.

Perhaps you and your family could qualify for your state's Medicaid program during those three months, but if both you and your husband are working, you might well earn to much to qualify.

What is PCOS?

[PassingFair]

7. PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome

Sucks.

[Roselma]

8. Generally yes ...you can COBRA if your employer has more than

20 employees and is taking the tax benefit of providing insurance. Some employers do not take that advantage due to other accounting issues, so don't automatically assume you can leave and continue insurance. Coverage will likely be quite expensive, but for three months, it is well worth it considering the cost of a simple appendectomy.

http://www.brighthub.com/office/career-planning/articles/77738.aspx