8/31    I am in the transition from being employed to unemployed or hopefully
        self-employed later on.  One of the things that worry me is health
        insurance just for myself.  Will it become much more expensive?
        I am generally healthy but already in my early 30s'.  What
        company/package do people in similar situation buy?
        \_ If you are a Christian, you may want to try:
           http://www.christianebuy.com/medishare2.html
           I think it's good for tiding things over while unemployed or if
           one has financial difficulties, but coverage is probably more
           basic than what you get from your employer.  About $100 per month.
           They say they save costs by not supporting people with
           unhealthy lifestyles (drugs, sex, etc.).  At first, I have some
           misgivings about that, but thinking more, there is nothing wrong
           with it.
           \_ jesus crashed my browser.
           \_ How do they verify that the subscriber is a christian?  Can one
              convert?  And what if the subscriber lost his faith after
              subscription?  Although I can't help my misgiving, this is a
              serious question.  The Evans link that site connects to suggests
              subscription?  Although I can't help my misgiving, this is
              a serious question.  The link that site connect to suggests
              that these people are not real Christians.  Rather they seem to
              be fundamentalist fanatics intent on a worldwide revolution.
              If they are a chirstian's version of Hamas or Islamic Brotherhood
              just trying to gain popularity support by pretending nice it's
              fine.  But it tries to set up cells of devotees I smell danger.
              that these people are not real Christians.  Rather they seem to
              be fundamentalist fanatics intent on a worldwide revolution.
              If I am really desperate I might want to try that health plan,
              if they won't send Christ's soldier or army of god to my home.
              When really desperate one might want to try their health plan,
              if they won't send Christ's soldier or army of god for checkups.
              \_ You need your pastor to sign off.  Other than that, they just
              cheap medical plans ($42/mo) with high deductibles ($2400).
                 trust you, I guess.  Oh, also a nurse would call you after
                 your application is sent in to ask you some questions
                 regarding our medical history.  I am not sure what you mean by
                 "Evans link".  Most faiths have some fanatical nuts.  The few of
                 those who used it thinks it's good.  Sample size is small.  My
                 family doctor, who is Hindu, says she would accept the plan
        \_ Don't forget that cobra is retroactive for approx. 60 days.
           \_ does Cobra have a good medical plan?  I always wondered why
              people would want to join an evil terrorist organization that
              always loses to G.I.Joe.
              \_ because they never die.  hard to beat that.
              cheap medical plans ($42/mo) with high deductibles ($2400).
           those super-cheap insurers you find later are just pyramind scams.
                 as insurance without problem.
        \_ Supposedly, Kaiser has a really cheap (~ $30/month) major-medical
           only plan.  No Dr.'s visits, prescriptions, etc.. save that for
           when you're employed.  But at least if you crash and burn, you
           won't be going to the city hospital.
           \_ where is this cheap Kaiser plan?  When I get a quote, it gives
              me an estimate of $154/mo.  Anyhow. Blue Shield of CA has some
              cheap medical plans ($42/mo) but with high deductibles ($2400).
        \_ It's really fudge up out there. My aunt/uncle, retired, have to
           pay $900/month for insurance. With deductibles. If anyone knows
           of good leads for health insurance, lots of people (unemployed,
           self-employed, semi-retired) need it. As long it's not one of
           those super-cheap insurers you find later are just pyramind scams.
           \_ "I don't think the American people want to hear about healthcare."
              -Joe Liebermann
        \_ Don't forget that cobra is retroactive for approx. 60 days.
           \_ does Cobra have a good medical plan?  I always wondered why
              people would want to join an evil terrorist organization that
              always loses to G.I.Joe.
              \_ because they never die.  hard to beat that.
        \_ http://ehealthinsurance.com -- never used them myself but they were
           recommended to me at one time.  also, check out COBRA with your
           current employer.  it might be pricey, but will continue your
           existing coverage for 18 months.  important to try to not let
           health insurance lapse, as it is REALLY hard to get new coverage
           after a 6 month lapse...and it may f*ck with pre-existing condition
           clauses with any new insurance policies.  --chris
           \_ What is with this continuity requirement?  Any url?  I only
              knew auto insurance cared about lapses but I guess I was poorly
              informed.  Would living aborad while under various kind of
              foreign employee insurance and/or travel/ex-pat insurance count
              as lapses?  I guess COBRA does not apply to such cases?