What is missing here is an idea of the premium being charged and what deductibles, if any, apply. If it’s the equivalent of COBRA rates, then you cannot afford to pay it AND pay for your maintenance meds. You are better off self-insuring to cover your meds and doctor visits and pray you don’t need hospitalization.
When cobra ended, there was no conversion policy offered. Under HIPPA, Ins. company had to offer me coverage. The coverage was nowhere near as good, and the cost was $3000 per month.
Forced to go through underwriting. Wound up with $5000 deductible, no Rx for both of us at $800 per month. That increased every year.
Hubby is now on medicare and supplement, and I still have the same policy on just myself. Cost is now $1086 per month total(no Rx coverage).
We have paid insurance premiums ever since I was 18. I really don't think it is fair that the insurance companies get to treat you as if you never had insurance, whenever you have to switch to the private market, through loss of employment or family need.
At our age, we really have to have some sort of Insurance. So we continue to pay out the kazoo. Hubby has been in and out of the hospital several times the last 3 years. I was rated at more risk, but just see the doctor a couple of times per year so far.
Good thing, because after I pay the Insurance, I really can't afford to do anything else.LOL. Everytime government decides to help, it just gets worse.