When I have a bad day, I have a BAD day!!

[OakLeaf]

(((((((RM)))))))

I know nothing (outside of my own experience), but it really sounds like what you have is an ERISA problem, not an insurance problem. (Edit: looks like Tuckerville already got on top of this one while I was posting.)

COBRA inclusion is administered by the employer IIRC (?). Basically you remain a member of the employer's group for a short period of time, but the employer is no longer paying the premiums. So that isn't likely to be helpful. Many states will let you convert a group policy to an individual plan, and if not I think we're coming up on open enrollment season in most states (?). So your family might be eligible for uninterrupted coverage - but of course that means paying individual rates. I know what that is for myself and DH for single coverage... I hate to even think what family coverage would cost.

One thing you really need to know: if you're uninsured, you will be charged (on average) three to five times more for your care than what an insurance company would pay. Criminal yeah, but that's life in these United States. I know you probably don't want to hear this, but I'm sitting here right now looking at the physicians' and clinic bills for my breast biopsy. The total billed out was about $7500. That's what an uninsured person would have to pay (and the equivalent of about five months' premiums for single coverage). What the insurance company actually paid was $2400, and my portion was $600. So yeah. It s*cks rotten eggs. And don't even get me started on how the major presidential candidates have already promised the insurance industry that they won't even try to reform the system.

Just hugs to you, praying for the best for your health, and hoping you get the rest of it worked out quickly and at a minimum of expense and stress.