Does COBRA Health Insurance Cost Too Much

Have You Gotten Your COBRA bill?

With rising unemployment, it is only natural that the US health insurance problem is getting worse. There is nothing like a bad in a good economy that is not attended to that grows huge when the economy is weak. Many unemployed Americans do have access to a COBRA health insurance extension. That sounds great until they get their bill and realize that they had no idea how much health insurance costs!

With COBRA, you pay the whole health insurance premium!

Active employees usually pay a portion of their premiums, but many companies contribute a huge share. Terminated employees must pay the entire amount, and they are shocked by the bill. You would be surprised by how many do not realize this and think that the $100 contribution they make every month pays for everything. Then, when they lose their jobs, those same people cannot understand why health insurance costs $1200 for their family. This is just an example, and is not meant to represent any particular situation.

Health Insurance Choices

Some people, like those with severe health conditions and pregnant women, should probably do anything to stay with their group health if they have no other alternatives. However, many people do have a choice: COBRA Health Insurance Alternatives

Even people who cannot get accepted into regular private health insurance may get some state from their state or local government. Every state has a program for high risk individuals, but this program comes with a price tag too. Low income families may get help from Medicaid, CHIPS (children), or county health programs.

I still believe the US health system needs some work to make quality health care available to everybody, but you should know what choices you have.