Unemployed? 4 Ways to Avoid COBRA's Bite

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I was laid off because I became disabled. I started paying COBRA payments Aug 1st, since I was laid off in July, I will not be eligible for the COBRA part of the stimulus package? What gives? I don't get unemployment insurance because I can't work. So just because I was laid off a month and half early, I don't get this support?

Everett Harper of GA 11:04AM February 18, 2009

my wife was laid off early summer. I guess I should trade her in for one with a job and good coverage?

DREAL of TX 11:49PM February 17, 2009

Get married for money? You just lost whatever credibility you thought you had. What's next, sell all your assets, pretend you live in your car so you can qualify for Medicaid?

Jayne of CA 5:39PM February 17, 2009

Very little useful information here. What do you think everyonr has been talking about?

Robert Goode of FL 6:02PM February 16, 2009

I carried the insurance, my husband is an independent contractor, so no insurance. If we switch to a different, cheaper policy, any preexisting conditions aren't covered. I looked into putting my son on SCHIP, but in PA, he'd have to go without insurance for 6 months to be eligible. Not worth the risk. I was laid off at the end of June, so I don't benefit from the stimulus plan break. I'm already into my emergency extension of unemployment.
We need complete overhaul of the system. At the very least, the pre-existing conditions exclusions have to be eliminated. Health care shouldn't be a privilege that employers can grant or take away as part of their business model. It's a basic human right.

Another Mom of PA 12:35PM February 15, 2009

Good Morning
I was out on disability with illness when I was ready to go back to work I got laid off. Am paying cobra $463.00 month
I am robbing peter to pay paul Some months I can only pay some of my bills. In order to have health coverage.
Unemployment is only 1/4 of what I made
So how will this new Cobra package work for me.
I thank you for your attention to this matter.

Judy Radice of NJ 7:17AM February 14, 2009

The heading of this article is misleading. I expected to see an expose or a list of helpful, real solutions and alternatives for the average unemployed/low income person, or at least find out about what the government is planning to change current law (or what citizens can do to incite change). One thing more painful than the COBRA bite is reading this poor excuse for journalism.

change the US "healthcare system" of NY 10:26AM January 28, 2009

I HAVE BEEN ON COBRA FOR 18 months and I nmow DO NOT HAVE A Plan as OF 02/01/2009. The cost of an individual plan is astronomical. I had cancer nine years ago and it increases my premium to a poiont that I cannot buy insurance since the cancer is not past the ten year mark. .

ecraig of CA 12:23PM January 22, 2009

Good reminder regarding the coverage for children, but the signing on with the spouse is a no brainer and getting married to get coverage is absurd.

Shaking Head of FL 7:01PM January 19, 2009

This is the dumbest article. The writer left out two of the obvious ones. Getting a replacement policy individually or through an organization like the Self Employed Assoc. There are many credit unions and groups that offer affordable policies. The other option is the Local Physicians Mutual. Last resort are the free clinics.
Articles like this abound on the internet and it is a shame that dummies like this writer gets their work published to the world. MSN is one of the worst with unsubstantiated and down right illogical blogs and articles. There should be a penalty for publishing incorrect information!
Where are my tar and feathers? This turkey writer needs to be shown the way out!

Sid of TX 9:35AM January 18, 2009