Question: My wife lost her job and the medical insurance was through her employer. My job offers it but they are making me wait 6 months in my new position before I can sign up. Is that legal in Minnesota? Thank you, Jason.

Answer: Yes. Employers can set the new-hire waiting period up to 6 months before becoming eligible for the company’s health plan. Suggest you take your COBRA health insurance option for 6 months until you are covered under your employer-sponsored group plan.

Question: I have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. I am currently on COBRA. What happens to me when it expires.

Answer: I’m so sorry about your bad news. At least your ability to remain insured is protected by federal laws. However you must take the right steps to protect your rights. First and foremost, stay on COBRA until your coverage expires. If you do that you will qualify for HIPAA guaranteed coverage after your COBRA coverage expires. Most health insurance companies who market individual health insurance offer HIPAA qualified coverage. HIPAA guaranteed plans are usually high deductible plans at a substantial rate-up over the standard rate for a “healthy” applicant. You may be able to purchase a HIPAA plan from your current insurer, but can shop for HIPAA plans from any other carrier in your state. Contact them directily about 60 days before your COBRA expires.The PCIP plan will not work for you because they require an applicant to be uninsured for 6 months prior to enrollment. In January 2014, your preexisting condition will no longer be a consideration in obtaining health insurance thanks to the Affordable Care Act. I wish you the best of luck.

Question: Do you have to be an “uninsured” resident of Utah for 12 months? I am uninsurable but currently have cobra through my husband. When it runs out how much would the premium be for the high risk insurance? What is it based on?

Answer: That is correct. The HIPUtah Major Risk Health Insurance plan requires that you be uninsured for 12 months before applying. So that’s not for you. When you have exhausted your COBRA benefits, you will qualify for federal HIPAA coverage. That’s high deductible coverage offered through the insurance carriers in each state by federal law.You may be able to purchase a HIPAA plan from your current insurer, but can shop for HIPAA plans from any other carrier in your state. It’s more expensive than regular individual health insurance, but they must cover you. Remember you only have to get to January 2014 - two years form now - when you will no longer have to worry about being “uninsurable” and can buy health insurance without regard to your pre-existing medical conditions at the same price as everybody else. Hang in there. It will get better.

Question: I have been diagnosed with breast cancer and I am covered under my husband's current COBRA coverage. What happens to me when the COBRA coverage ends in November?

Question: What options do I have for getting individual health coverage. I am 59 5'3" and weigh 175. I have HBP under control with medication. My COBRA ends 8/25/2011. Got any suggestions?

QUESTION: My wife is 12 weeks pregnant, and her COBRA insurance expires in July (7 mos. into pregnancy). My COBRA insurance also expires in July. Will she be able to get a different insurance policy?

Question: My Cobra will expire on 4/30/09 and I will not turn 65 until Aug of 2010. Can I contact someone to continue Cobra or an Individual plan? Should I contact the current carrier I have had for the past 15 months?

Question: My husband was laid off from his job. We are offered the COBRA coverage from his previous employer. I will be electing the COBRA coverage because I am 8 months pregnant. My husband and son are going to look into getting an individual family plan instead of electing COBRA through his prior employer.

Is this an option for our family? Can my husband and son get an individual family plan while I am on COBRA along with our newborn (once he is born)? After the birth, and if everything is fine with both myself and newborn would we be able to also change to an individual family plan?

Question: I need your help to know what to do. I have the option of taking Cobra but its super expensive. First off why? Is my former employer taking a cut or what? Next is it a good idea to take the Cobra even though itcosts so much? I have a new job starting soon but I don't want to go uncovered.