Have you ever HAD to stay at a job to keep your insurance?

I have. Even though I hated the job, I needed continuous coverage and was unable to leave my job. When my Dad had cancer, my mother's biggest fear was losing her job because she had to spend so much time away from work (Pre-FEMLA). Not because of the money, but because of the insurance.
This makes me wonder about Tony Snow. He personifies the divide in America. He says he is leaving for financial reasons--yet any insurance company we would be able to access after leaving the best insurance in America would be very hesitant to insure us privately and there is almost ALWAYS a waiting period before entering another group policy.
COBRA is high dollar and it is finite--especially if you are undergoing chemo and radiation. If I left my job today, my COBRA payments would be in the neighborhood of over $1000 a month--just for me, and double that for my family. If me or my family had a grave illness, I wouldn't be able to have the luxury of leaving.
Makes you wonder what kind of golden parachute we are unknowingly paying Tony Snow. But even more, it makes me angry because "the haves" don't really have to worry about something that everyday Americans do.

but I might have to stay married.....

this sucks


lost

interim transition to Medicare.

I was covered under a large group plan, so the COBRA premium, based on their group rate - was fairly reasonable. But I was lucky.

When the Cobra was 6 months from ending, I switched to a full time job to get the healthcare.

The wife has MS and no Self-Employed insurance would touch us.

I have allergies, asthma, high blood pressure and pre-diabetes and been on and off meds for an anxiety disorder. I take very good care of myself (exercise, eat well, don't smoke, rarely drink) and have never been hospitalized for any of these conditions because I take my meds and do what I can to keep things in check, but I would be uninsurable on the open market.

My husband is on my policy at work right now, so I'm paying extra. Between meds, a few doctor visits and premiums, we'll likely spend nearly $10,000 on health, vision and dental care this year WITHOUT anything major occuring. It's insane. But I know how lucky I am compared to some.

I've never been able to stay at a job long enough to feel like I had a lot to lose if I left. I used to stay at jobs for 5 or 6 years, and today, over the past five years, I've stayed at one job for three years and one for two.

I could never afford COBRA to be honest, $600/month is average for me as a solo. At the last it was $850. And it's not like I don't have conditions that don't need looking after.

I am considering the possiblity of setting myself up as my own business, just so I can call the shots on my own projects (not worry so much about outsourcing) and sign on and have consistent healthcare.

her job is killing her but if she quits, she loses her medical coverage. With her illness, I'm sure she could get SS disability, but what's the wait? Two years or something? COBRA would run out before then and, if she isn't working, she can't afford it.

Divorced and still under the same roof with him for 8 years and yet no insurance no now. Silly me.

I won't be eligible for Medicare for years.... and who knows what it will offer by then? I would love to let a younger, more energetic person take over my position, but I don't even want to think about trying to pay for private insurance!

:scared: