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differences between COBRA and regular group insurance?
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differences between COBRA and regular group insurance?

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › differences between COBRA and regular group insurance?

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    • October 24, 2017 at 7:56 pm
    Spl25
    Participant

      Greetings all: I'm a stage 4 patient responding well (but not without some side effects) to Pembrolizumab.I may be looking at working a reduced schedule at my company (currently on medical leave), which would apparrently entail my losing group health insurance, but being offered COBRA for 18 months. Has anyone had a similar situation? How did COBRA compare to your group plan ( I realize they are *supposed* to be identical). Is there a way to retain group health insurance while on a reduced workload (does ACA *mandate* discontinuation of coverage)?

      Thanks in advance, 

      S

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        • October 24, 2017 at 10:21 pm
        Janner
        Participant

          In my experience, the only difference between COBRA and the group health plan was who paid for it.  No difference in coverage.  But it only lasts 18 months.  You might consider getting coverage through the ACA marketplace while there is still a "no pre-existing conditions" mandate because you may be able to keep that coverage through whatever workload you have well into the future.  If the ACA mandate is repealed and you have to deal with pre-existing conditions, you could be in trouble.  Just thinking out loud but something to consider.

          • October 25, 2017 at 9:47 pm
          TexMelanomex
          Participant

            I would also add that COBRA tends to be phenomenally expensive, so I agree, shop some plans and compare. Obviously, since you are receiving a really expensive treatment (I'm also on Pembro) just make sure you are tracking the deductibles and out of pocket max also. The math on all of that may actually make COBRA a more cost effective choice. I think the insurance coverage with reduced workload or fewer hours is determined by your employer vs ACA (but I could be wrong). I hope you find a great option that works well for you.

            Tex

            • October 25, 2017 at 10:19 pm
            kst
            Participant

              Before signing up for ACA marketplace insurance you might verify the hospital you choose accepts it.  In Texas, the specialty hospitals like MD Anderson are not available for any ACA plans that I am aware of.

              • October 26, 2017 at 4:14 pm
              SDFun
              Participant

                If you can afford teh COBRA i would strongly recommend staying with it. In most states teh plans the ACA offer are very limitied. no of few PPO's In Califorian we only have 1 PPo and it has a very limited number of doctors on it

                  • October 26, 2017 at 7:41 pm
                  jennunicorn
                  Participant

                    ACA PPO options in CA are either Blue Shield or Anthem, Blue Shield is the best option, I was on it for a few years, got on it after my diagnosis, been seen at UCSF for the duration of treatment and was fully covered. Now have a job with great health benefits so I no longer need it, but highly recommend Blue Shield Silver PPO ACA plan IF that is the only option for someone. 

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