Free COBRA Insurance

COBRA insurance is offered to people for up to 18 months after they have left a job or been released from a job. The program is simple because it allows the individual to keep the insurance that they had as an employee without having to apply for new coverage. However these plans are usually more expensive than other plans available on the individual and family medical insurance market. If you can't afford COBRA there are solutions that can help you bridge the gap until your benefits start at your new place of employment. Most people are shocked at the price of the benefits that their employer was offering when they worked there.

People who are sick and need regular maintenance for their health with conditions such as diabetes or heart disease might find that paying for the insurance can actually save them money. However if you are healthy you can find other plans at a much lower cost. Many people get short term health insurance to bridge the gap for a few months until their new benefits start. These plans are full major medical plans, but since they do not have extra benefits for doctor visits and prescription drug co payments they reduce the cost each month substantially. Everything is covered on these short term health insurance plans subject to a deductible and co insurance. If you will need coverage for several months while searching for a new opportunity, this is a good option.

There is a trick that some people use to get free COBRA benefits once they have changed jobs. Some people are lucky enough to already have a job in place with benefits. The problem is that the health insurance benefits for a new job do not usually start on the day that you start to work. This waiting period can be as short as the end of the month or as long as 90 days from the date of the hire. Individuals have a grace period to decide whether or not they want to get COBRA. Usually this grace period is up to 60 days. If you have a new job, find out when your benefits will begin. Do not tell your COBRA administrator that you do not want the coverage, but do not tell them that you do want the coverage.

Ask them how long you have to decide. If your new coverage will start within the grace period, you can get free COBRA benefits to make sure you are covered during the gap. Do not accept the COBRA unless you get sick or injured and have a claim. If you have a claim, accept and pay. But if you do not have a claim, just wait until your new coverage starts with your new job and you will have essentially had coverage without having to pay for it. This is an excellent opportunity for many Americans.