Just got word three months after applying and 8 days after the end of my health insurance coverage that my wife will not be covered under the health insurance I am trying to get from Blue Cross-Blue Shield. She has some pre-existing conditions but nothing I (or her doctor) considers serious..some blood pressure, cholesterol issues. BC-BS referred me to the state's CHIP (which BC-BS administers), and we are still eligible for the COBRA through my previous employer. I think CHIP cost is 135% of usual costs of insurance (which is not cheap). Anyone have any experience or recommendations regard COBRA, CHIP or altneratives? My view is one more evidence that health insurance in this country is broken. Three months to get an answer (and contrary to the one I got informally in the inquiry before retirement). Thanks in advance.