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Old 11-10-2016, 01:35 AM   #41
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There are rules about signing up on the ACA exchanges mid-year, you have to have a qualifying life event. You should check to make sure that COBRA expiring counts, I don't remember ever reading exactly that (although it might just fall under losing workplace coverage).

If I were in your shoes I would probably switch over to a new full year plan in January, and maybe start poking around the job market just in case I came across a less-than-full-time dream job that offered family insurance as a benefit.

I am surprised people are so confident that the pre-existing condition exemption will stay. It makes for a very complicated market because of the ability to game the system, and the political party that has been voting, stumping, and essentially turned into one giant blinking neon sign to repeal the ACA for the last 4 years just took over the entire government. I would be very worried if I relied on it for health insurance.
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Old 11-10-2016, 06:14 AM   #42
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MichaelB View Post
All this speculation on the ACA is unhelpful to the OP, who is asking about a decision to extend cobra through 5/17 or sign up for an exchange plan on 1/17.

I have no crystal ball, but it seems pretty unlikely to me that the 2017 individual policies will be cancelled mid year. I would also be concerned about having to meet two different deductibles - first the cobra, then the individual policy, which might happen with a 5/17 change. Unless the cobra policy has a much lower price, I'd go with an individual policy 1/1/17. Open enrollment has begun, so you cannot be denied.
This is what I would do also. It seems like the worst a replacement system would do re pre-existing conditions is penalize people who let their insurance lapse. As long as you hold a policy you will likely be able to keep it or be able to move to another if your current policy gets changed/cancelled.
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Old 11-10-2016, 06:33 AM   #43
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I can't imagine a flash cut away from ACA during the plan year. I also suspect that any ACA replacement scheme may have to include a solution for pre-existing conditions.
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Old 11-10-2016, 06:36 AM   #44
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Unsettling times for sure

I feel as many of you do here. Having a pre-existing cancer diagnosis from 2009 and relying on ACA for my family's health insurance. I also dread the idea of going back to work in any capacity. I bought a policy yesterday on the exchange for myself, wife and daughter for 2017. Many of the comments here are reassuring and I appreciate the perspectives offered and always learn so much here. I agree that you must insure for 2017 and postpone any decisions until the year unfolds. Just wanted to let you know that you are not alone and many here will be waiting and watching. All the best to you in 2017.
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Old 11-10-2016, 07:09 AM   #45
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Thanks to everyone for all of the comments and support. It is much appreciated. After all of the input I will likely just switch at the end of this year to ACA insurance. Waiting until 5/2017 may save me a few dollars but I'd rather avoid the stress of the unknown.
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Old 11-10-2016, 01:20 PM   #46
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It seems that the OP has his questions answered. Thanks to all for the interesting discussion.
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