So frustrated

[gogadgetgo]

We signed up for health insurance through the CA exchange, since we're currently on COBRA after my regular insurance ran out.  Both people I spoke with at the insurance company and medical group (it's an HMO) said with the new plan we could keep all of our current doctors.  Turns out, the medical group is not part of the new "individual" plan, and only covers the company's corporate employee plans.  There's another plan we could have chosen that our doctors are covered under, but I don't mind our current company so I was trying to stay loyal.

And the phones for the exchange are jammed so I can't find out if we can switch.  We haven't made any payments to activate the plan so I'm hoping we can.

Ugh.

[themysteriouswife]

We are currently uninsured for almost the same reasons. COBRA was way to expensive

[gogadgetgo]

After 45 min on hold, we were able to switch plans thank goodness. It'll save us $500 /month compared to cobra. Hopefully this will just be for a few years until I can get an employee plan when I start working again

Sorry MW. I really hate insurance.

[Kristinmo]

Yay for a good update! The insurance industry is one of the most confusing things to deal with.

[themysteriouswife]

Glad you got something! We are in a funny window. We have about 45 days in between policies. The exchange is almost as helpful as a wet paper bag. Cobra was almost $2500 for that short window.the health care act is a step in the right direction. It really needs to have kinks worked out

[Kristinmo]

Dec 9, 2013 15:39:45 GMT -5 themysteriouswife said:

Glad you got something! We are in a funny window. We have about 45 days in between policies. The exchange is almost as helpful as a wet paper bag. Cobra was almost $2500 for that short window.

This happened to me too when I switched jobs.  But I had 60 (or 90 I can't remember) days to opt into it.  I knew I could always opt in if we had an expense that exceeded the price for COBRA.  Luckily, we didn't have to use our insurance for anything except an ear infection during that time.

[gogadgetgo]

The CA exchange is actually pretty well organized and the phone support staff is super helpful. It was the direct insurance people who were a pain.

I'm just happy we can keep the boys' dr and not have to reschedule all of W's well baby exams.

[thelurkylulu]

Dec 9, 2013 14:31:29 GMT -5 themysteriouswife said:

We are currently uninsured for almost the same reasons. COBRA was way to expensive

It is fucking highway robbery what they charge for COBRA. Does anyone ever actually buy into that shit?