Medical insurance questions

[CascadeCrudSkier]

I'm quitting my 9-5 job this Friday to ski full time this winter and I just realized that I haven't gotten around to lining up any medical insurance once I'm no longer employed. This is pretty stupid on my part and I'd like to get something setup as soon as possible. I've currently got a pretty good policy but I'm pretty sure that expires after Dec 31st.

What's the best option for a six month insurance policy? Do most companies let you continue the coverage for a fee after you leave? Am I better off paying for my own independent policy, and if so, what are some good companies?

Thanks.

[Buster Highmen]

COBRA and maybe TEUC.
http://www.cobrainsurance.com/

[splat]

COBRAs can get pretty spendy if you're hoping for the same coverage you got with a company copay. I posted a number for Blue Cross in one of Pinner's threads last nite. You erase that thread, Pinner??????????

[Lumpy]

Major medical to cover broken and torn shit man. I've been doing it between marriages, jobs, and self employment (loathing) for twenty years. Costs about 50-bucks a month as opposed to 120-200 for an individual policy. Just can't go to the doc for a bandaid or asprin. 500 dolar deduct. and hope for the best.

[Chronic]

Maybe COBRA, but I don't know if that is available if you voluntarily leave your job. There are a few health plans that offer health insurance to individuals, but these can be expensive. Perhaps you're a member of an organization that might offer discounts for health insurance? Shop around and talk to several different companies to find the plan that fits best, and compare against your COBRA coverage (if you have any). It would suck to get injured and not be covered.

[splat]

Karate clubs usually get a great group rate....

[Eldo]

Why not move up to Saskatchewan in Canada and get your health care covered for free!

Of course then you would have to live there, and eventually you would kill yourself because of the boredom.

(But at least all your funeral expenses would be looked after. )

[Arty50]

Aha! I'm an expert on this since my last day is a week from tomorrow. Also I went through this last year when I took a leave of absence.

You are eligible for COBRA even if you quit your job. Also, COBRA coverage is retroactive. So if you don't get the policy set up right away and something happens, you're still covered. There is a time limit for signing up though, and you will be responsible for paying the past premiums. So don't plan on not paying and then ponying up if you get injured. My brother tried this when his son was hospitalized for a staff infection, and he had waited too long. Nothing like a $40,000 hospital bill.

As far as cost goes, it all depends on what your company has set up. Get in touch with your hr rep and look into this. Then compare it with purchasing a private plan.

Good luck!

[cmor]

Congrats on the whole job quitting. I would also look into temp plans if you only need it for a few months.

http://www.consumerbenefits.net/temp...-insurance.htm