New Job Medical Insurance Benefits Do Not Start Right Away!

The best way to get medical insurance coverage in America is to get a job that provides benefits. These plans will not cost anything each month as the employer pays the monthly cost as long as you are employed. Some of these plans will start as soon as you begin working. However many times there will be a wait of 30 days to up to 3 months before the benefits start. This is considered somewhat of a probationary period, see if the employment is a good fit before offering all the benefits. The problem is that this can leave a gap in coverage and create a financial hardship situation should an unexpected medical expense occur during this probationary period.

Some people have other coverage through a prior job or a spouse's job. If that is the case you can simply keep the benefits until your new coverage starts. If you are switching jobs, you will be required to pay for the COBRA premiums each month until your new coverage starts. If you are sick or have chronic medical issues that cost to maintain each month, this may be your best option. However, many people who find themselves in this situation have discovered short term health insurance plans to bridge this gap with major medical coverage for emergency situations without costing the huge amount that COBRA would cost.

Short term health insurance plans are full major medical plans that are approved by each state's department of insurance. Coverage can start as early as midnight of the night you apply and you can get your cards emailed to you instantly. The difference in these plans is the cost each month. For a reduction in benefits to the most basic benefits you will lower your costs by over 50%. If you are hospitalized or have to have surgery, your expenses will be covered just like the most expensive plans. So if you know that you will have coverage provided by your new employer this is a fantastic option to keep from worrying about a major catastrophic event that could hurt your finances.

If you have gotten a new job with benefits, congratulations. Make sure you understand exactly when your new benefits will start. Consider your options for coverage until that time. If you can't believe how much COBRA is demanding each month, you do have other plans to consider that will provide the coverage you need. While you could go without coverage and risk a major medical expense, you don't need to if you research some short term health insurance plans online or with a local agent.