Hello I was laid off in October and just trying to compare rates. I was employed by a small contractor in New Jersey that had 13 employees. I got private insurance prices and noticed they were as high as cobra. On the site they mentioned that I could save money if I went from COBRA to a private medical plan, but my experience, that is just not the case.

New Jersey is a guaranteed issue state so even if you have preexisting conditions, you can buy an individual health insurance policy in NJ. Since COBRA is an extension of group health insurance, it's also guaranteed issue.

Because the insurers can't lower your premiums for good health, they must charge you what they charge the sick. So much for good intentions!

Guaranteed issue states all have one thing in common, you can't find cheaper health insurance.

http://www.cobrahealth.com/Mini-State-L ... Jersey.htm