Alternative to COBRA

As more and more people loose their jobs, the population of uninsured Americans swells. And paying for health insurance, along with everything else, weighs heavily on a multitude of minds these days. When it comes to options, COBRA may be the buzzword, but a alternative called individual medical insurance may offer a more palatable solution.

Through COBRA, employees who lose their jobs are able to continue employer-sponsored coverage for up to 18 months. However, they may pay 110 percent of the cost of the traditional medical coverage premium for COBRA continuation coverage.

"As Anthem Blue Cross representatives , we understand that these are tough economic times. We understand that people are worried about keeping their job, and if they should lose their job, the struggle to make ends meet with COBRA premiums seems overwhelming," said Dennis Alexander, benefits advocate at Health Coverage Insurance Services, Inc. "We want people to know they have options, and that individual medical insurance is a viable alternative."

Typically, individual plan premiums are significantly less expensive than COBRA. In addition to lower monthly payments, Individual plans offer greater ease of qualification and enrollment. With individual health insurance, there is no lengthy underwriting process and the applicant can complete the entire process online within a matter of minutes. If approved after answering a handful of health-related questions, they will receive their application submission confirmation and a approval response within 10 business days (could take longer if additional information is requested)

Individual and Family health insurance coverage periods may last as few as 30 days or as long as you want. Traditional individual major medical insurance coverage once approved would cover pre-existing diseases and physical conditions that might not be coveres by some other health plans.

People who are in good health and anticipate the need of coverage are typically ideal candidates for Individual Health Insurance. Those with serious health conditions are unlikely to qualify. Anyone trying to choose between Individual and Family Health Insurance and COBRA continuation coverage under their current health plan can submitt application to determine their Individual Health Insurance eligibility.

"If there is any question in people`s minds about what they should do, it is always best to talk to an insurance professional," Dennis advises. Use out contact form or give us a call 1-800-569-1156.