COBRA or temp. insurance during a job transition - ThinnerTimes

G30RG3 · 05-15-2007, 09:39 AM

Hi All,

I haven't posted awhile. I hope all is well. I seem some senior members and you folks are looking good!

Would any of you recommend a temp insurance company to use instead of COBRA

I visited http://www.ehealthinsurance.com and found some good deals. I checked some posts here and found that many of us were denied covered due to WLS. So before I started to fill out some temp. insurance plans they offer I wanted to see what company may cover me temporarily.

I called my previous employer to find out how much COBRA would cost and I was quoted about 700 per month. My new employer won't offer the health insurance until 3 months on the job.

I'm somewhat bummed that I have gained some weight. I am now at 235. My girlfriend said that she notices me eating more. I don't know what to do as I know I turn to food during time of stress. I'm sad that I am starting to wear my size 36 jeans versus my 34 jeans I used to wear last summer.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Dave in NY · 05-15-2007, 09:50 AM

The ? about insurance.

I say pay the Cobra, that is a continuation of your current insurance and then no one can give you any hassles about preexisting conditions and you have no surprises. The $2,100 is not a bad cost to pay for complete coverage. I am now paying over $900 / mon.

As for your weight gain go back to your records of how you did eat in the past compared to a current record.

I wish you well in your new job...

Haveaball · 05-16-2007, 03:43 AM

I would opt for the Cobra, maybe too much hassle to apply for temporary insurance and then maybe more costly.....or even worse, not be a canadate for whatever reason, (rny). Seems like you do not need the extra stress right now.

(find other things to do if you are so stressed, try not to turn to food!)

G30RG3 · 05-16-2007, 06:37 AM

Thank you Dave and Haveaball!

lealphachienne · 05-16-2007, 08:42 AM

Skip Cobra and go with a short term gap insurance.....I'll email you my friend's contact info who does insurances here in CA. My premium was only $85 a month. Only 5 questions to answer.

CollegeJoe · 07-18-2007, 06:59 PM

hey, Marie, could you send me the information also?

CollegeJoe · 07-18-2007, 07:21 PM

Oh and quick question, here. I am no longer covered by my mom's older insurance provider (big whoop in helping me with wls) but according to what i'm reading Cobra has less of a denial because your paying premium. I was wondering cause i was full time student but because im graduating soon im part time, the insurance for cobra is SUPER EXPENSIVE $482 a month.

But would having this allow for less hassle in getting approved, and if it is better would i be able to soon cancel thereafter if and when i get surgery and not get hit with fees?

Haveaball · 07-19-2007, 03:59 AM

I think it would totally depend on what insurance co picked you up for Cobra, or can you pick the company?
I got my wls done with private insurance, Harvard Pilgram, it was $580 per mo. When I was looking for the private insurace I MADE sure that the insurance company I chose did wls. (I had my own business of one at the time, so maybe to use the words private insurance isn't 100% correct) None the less, I was approved with in hours (2) of my records being submitted.
Good luck.

coptergirl · 07-19-2007, 04:25 AM

Cobra coverage would be the same coverage that you had with your employer, and 2% is added to the premium for your age band and coverage that you had previously. This would be guaranteed issue for you because you would still be under the umbrella of your ex-employer. GBS patients are generally denied with private insurers, and if you let the Cobra gap expire and you keep getting denied, you may end up with a lapse in coverage. Of course, you could go uninsured for the 3 months you have to wait, and then on your new employers group you would be a guaranteed issue as well. Good luck - the insurance world can be a murky world...

CollegeJoe · 07-19-2007, 09:24 AM

Hey, thanks for the info!