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Personal health insurance prices & policies compared to COBRA plans

If you are healthy, there is no reason to extend your benefits under COBRA, because with private health insurance:

  • Premiums are lower
  • Little legislative risks
  • Don't have to wait on notification
  • No expiration of benefits
  • You can only be canceled for nonpayment
  • More flexibility with doctors
  • Don't need a "qualifying event" to become eligible

The cost of COBRA is high because

  • The government doesn't set a cap on the premiums
  • Like your exisitng group health, companies must cover everyone, regardless of health
  • Instead of ending a policy within 30 days, a company doing group health must give you coverage for a period of 18 to 36 months
  • The employer no longer pays the majority of your premiums

Ways to save on private health insurance:

  • Higher copayments
  • PPO instead of HMO
  • Higher out of pocket max
  • Compare 3 companies
  • Use an independent agent

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