health insurance coverage

I got laid off n my employer is not providing cobra coverage. In that case within how much time I have to get another insurance which covers the pre existing conditions? Or is it possible, if I find another employer within 2 months and get group insurance from new employer will the new insurance cover the gap and pre existing conditions? I'd like to have this information for the states New york & New Jersey.
Please advise me on this ASAP.
Thanx

[Amir Mostafaie]

Dear mini3,

In my experience you are expected to purchase a plan in the State where you live & keep in mind that insurance companies can ask you for proof of residence. Often I have NJ residents that work in NY & want to know if they can buy a NY based plan & I have to remind them of the rules surrounding Individual & Family plans versus employer sponsored group plans.

As for your questions;
Q: how much time I have to get another insurance that will cover your pre existing conditions?
A: If you are coming off of group coverage (which is true in your case) and COBRA is not offered to you, you have 2 months or 62 days; but it is important to mention that this gap is limited to 31 days if you are not HIPAA eligible.
  
Q: if I find another employer within 2 months and get group insurance from new employer will the new insurance cover the gap and pre existing conditions?
A: The time of new employment doesn’t play a part; instead it depends on when the new health insurance coverage kicks in. If the 1st day of your new coverage falls outside the 62 days that will be a considerable gap in coverage & your pre-existing conditions can be excluded for 12 months.

I ran some quotes for downstate NY & found plans starting from $151 a month (regardless of your age). In NJ age is factored into the premiums, so I can’t give you an estimate without knowing your age, but you can get a free quote using the link on the top left corner of this forum & compare & chose a plan that might work for you instead of going without insurance.

Sincerely,

Amir Mostafaie