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As many of you know, I am still unemployed and looking for work. Today I was informed that my medical insurance coverage ended on Dec. 31. I called Cobra and they told me I could not re-instate it but could file an appeal (would take 30-60 days).

In the meantime, I'm seeking advice from you, my extended family, on the best places to go for lowest cost, short-term medical insurance.

Many thanks in advance for any advice you can give.

Best,

-EJ

EarlJam wrote:As many of you know, I am still unemployed and looking for work. Today I was informed that my medical insurance coverage ended on Dec. 31. I called Cobra and they told me I could not re-instate it but could file an appeal (would take 30-60 days).

In the meantime, I'm seeking advice from you, my extended family, on the best places to go for lowest cost, short-term medical insurance.

Many thanks in advance for any advice you can give.

Best,

-EJ

I thought COBRA was supposed to last 18 months.

Perhaps a call to the Georgia Department of Insurance could (1) answer the question of how long COBRA coverage is supposed to be available to you and (2)what options are currently available which best suit your circumstances and needs.

About 15 years ago, I routinely referred my clients to The Grange (Yes, THAT Grange that you studied in 9th grade history or social studies class). Membership in The Grange was about $20 per year, and their group insurance rates were the lowest that Blue Cross Blue Shield offered.

I don't know if this is still an option or not, but it's worth making a few telephone calls to The Grange and Blue Cross Blue Shield to inquire.

CathyCA wrote:About 15 years ago, I routinely referred my clients to The Grange (Yes, THAT Grange that you studied in 9th grade history or social studies class). Membership in The Grange was about $20 per year, and their group insurance rates were the lowest that Blue Cross Blue Shield offered.

I don't know if this is still an option or not, but it's worth making a few telephone calls to The Grange and Blue Cross Blue Shield to inquire.

That's what I was about to suggest EJ check out. We did that once when one of our kids was between college classes and a job. You join The Grange and are then eligible for their group. Hope that option is still around. They should be able to tell you at BCBS.
Love, Ima

AAA also offers health insurance, although not in all states...check any professional organizations..many of those do. My uncle carried his insurance with a co-op of small business owners for years here in FL. I got a fairly reasonable major medical from BC/BS a few years ago. Consider a high deductible plan if you are only worried about a major illness driving you to the poor house for the rest of your life.

I've been without medical insurance a couple of times (between jobs, between undergrad and grad school) but for me that only affected prescriptions and dental coverage as everything else is covered up here. I simply cannot fathom not having basic medial insurance and strongly advise you to follow up on some of the ideas mentioned here as they seem to be good ones.

In addition to that, what kind of work are you looking for? What are you trained to do and what have you done in the past? I'm sure that the network we have established here might be able to help you out a bit.

windsor wrote:AAA also offers health insurance, although not in all states...check any professional organizations..many of those do. My uncle carried his insurance with a co-op of small business owners for years here in FL. I got a fairly reasonable major medical from BC/BS a few years ago. Consider a high deductible plan if you are only worried about a major illness driving you to the poor house for the rest of your life.

The same AAA for roadside help?? Interesting. Looking into for Georgia now.

All of you, this is GREAT stuff; thank you so much and keep it coming if you have anything!

Bless,

-EJ

Saw this article about extending COBRA benefits and thought you might find it useful.

http://www.wral.com/business/briefs/story/6742485/