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coot · 20-09-2006, 23:45

When I last looked at insurance 9-12 months ago, I found no insurance company that offered an individual plan that was anywhere near as good as a typical group plan. My impression is that insurance companies would prefer not to offer individual insurance, but they make a token effort in order to satisfy state regulators.

I don't remember the blue cross high deductible plan as remarkably good or bad as individual plans go.

As far as I can tell, if you ever answer "yes" to any of the "have you ever been treated for..." questions, you will not get the insurance. Some US states operate an insurance plan for residents who can't get insurance from a privately held company; in Maryland, a rejection letter from any one insurance company is enough to qualify. If necessary, look in to this for your state of residence.

Under US federal law, you can continue on your former employer's health insurance for up to 18 months. You pay the premium plus a fee to your former employer. This is called COBRA, after the bill it was included in. Your employer should offer it to you when you quit, unless they are one of the entities that are exempt.

For you, it's too late for COBRA (you have to ask for it within 45 days). Your only option is either pick one of the individual insurance offerings (possibly falling back to a state-run plan) or go without.

I agree with your evaluation of the short term plans - who needs insurance that disappears if you get sick??

20-09-2006, 23:45	#2
coot Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 367	When I last looked at insurance 9-12 months ago, I found no insurance company that offered an individual plan that was anywhere near as good as a typical group plan. My impression is that insurance companies would prefer not to offer individual insurance, but they make a token effort in order to satisfy state regulators. I don't remember the blue cross high deductible plan as remarkably good or bad as individual plans go. As far as I can tell, if you ever answer "yes" to any of the "have you ever been treated for..." questions, you will not get the insurance. Some US states operate an insurance plan for residents who can't get insurance from a privately held company; in Maryland, a rejection letter from any one insurance company is enough to qualify. If necessary, look in to this for your state of residence. Under US federal law, you can continue on your former employer's health insurance for up to 18 months. You pay the premium plus a fee to your former employer. This is called COBRA, after the bill it was included in. Your employer should offer it to you when you quit, unless they are one of the entities that are exempt. For you, it's too late for COBRA (you have to ask for it within 45 days). Your only option is either pick one of the individual insurance offerings (possibly falling back to a state-run plan) or go without. I agree with your evaluation of the short term plans - who needs insurance that disappears if you get sick?? __________________ Mark S.