What Should I do If I Lose My Job? Where Can I Get Insurance?

What if I have a preexisting condition when I am laid off? Should I still get private health insurance?

In that case stick with your company plan through COBRA, but get private health insurance if you have a family. Providing your family is in good health, the cost of private insurance for them will be less than you went through COBRA for them too.

While searching for insurance also check into a health insurance broker specializing in clients who have preexisting conditions. As we have discussed before go to nahu.org to find a list of agents in your area. Every insurer has different policies. You should work with someone who will shop around to find a plan that works best for you. If you can't find a private policy, you may have to look into coverage offered by your state. State insurance can be very expensive, so you'll only want to use that as a last resort. You can find information on your state insurance department at naic.org (National Association of Insurance Commissioners).

Does Every State Offer Insurance Coverage to All Residents?

Keep with COBRA as long as you can. Unfortunately, there are many states that do not have coverage for individuals that do not qualify for private health insurance. The five states that offer guaranteed insurance all the time for all residents are: Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Vermont. If you are denied private heath insurance the following states may provide coverage for you: North Carolina, (sometimes in Pennsylvania), Rhode Island, and Virginia. Check with your state insurance commissioners office to find out what you are eligible for coverage and check out your options at coverageforall.org.

The Only Job I Have Been Able to Find Doesn't Offer Health Insurance. Should I take the Job?

Take the job. Jobs are not easy to come by right now and you can't turn down an offer over health insurance. If you receive a job offer take it. Continue to look into getting your own private policy or stay on your old employers policy through COBRA. Remember you must get COBRA coverage within 60 days of being notified you are COBRA eligible. If more than 60 days has passed you will lose your option to stay with your former employers policy.