Any health care options for me other than Cobra?| Off-Topic Discussion forum |

dankspeed Reader
12/15/10 12:52 p.m.

Lost my job last friday and my wife gets payed if she only carries herself on her insurance. We're looking for a less expensive alternative to Cobra.

Anyone know of one?

Thanks Dan

jrw1621 SuperDork
12/15/10 1:00 p.m.

My suspicion is that your wife's work option will be the cheapest presented to you (even though it will cost A LOT.)

chuckles Reader
12/15/10 1:01 p.m.

I fear the only thing to be said is that you'll just have to shop. Lots of variables, starting with your location, and it's vastly complicated if you have a pre-existing condition. Ordinarily, the group coverage you use Cobra to keep will be a better deal than most private policies FOR THE SAME COVERAGE. On the other hand, lots of group policies are more like pre-paid medical than insurance against disasters. So, you might consider a high deductible private policy when you shop.

There's no good answer and it's all expensive. Good luck to ye.

oldtin Dork
12/15/10 1:03 p.m.

Are you healthy? Under 40? One of the high deductible/catastrophic plans could work. For the most part, the premiums you pay through an employer often equal out to what would be the out of pocket if you just paid for the service. The real risk is the bankrupting type of illnesses/accidents - where the high deductible stuff kicks in.

dankspeed Reader
12/15/10 1:15 p.m.

In reply to oldtin:

36 and healthy. A bit on the hefty side but not crazy. I don't get sick often and really only need it incase I get hurt and need a hospital stay. I don't have any pre-existing conditions.

I'm in the Cincinnati,Oh area if that matters.