Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I may should be asking this question in the business planning forum, so sorry if this is the wrong place for it.

Soon, very soon, it looks like I will be taking the plunge out of the cubicle and into my own business. As a corporate employee, however, I do have a pretty good health plan that covers me and my family (as many corporate employees do).

1. Can I, while still a corporate employee, let my health insurance company know that I will be leaving and would like to continue using the same plan but will be paying the premiums out of my pocket? Is this even possible?

2. I would get COBRA benefits. Do I have to use COBRA benefits before establishing a new health insurance policy in my own?

Thanks

Thanks Steve. Understood. I was trying to avoid letting my corporation know I was leaving until I was really ready. I didn`t want to start a firestorm until I really needed to. But point taken nonetheless.

Thanks.

(just a quick question/interjection - would it be helpful if we created a blog for understanding healthcare for small business?)

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Rich Sloan , Co-Founder, Chief Startupologist, StartupNation

Rich,

I think that would be a wonderful idea. Is there a timeline when that could be posted?

My questions, I was hoping was generic enough to maybe apply to many people`s situation.

Steve,

Why did you edit and remove your post?

Thanks.

I know I would personally benefit from tips and tricks about getting the appropriate coverage and the different options for a new business owner.

A friend of mine that started a business said that his tip was to get a broker, although he didn`t explain why that was the way to go...

Rich, I think not only is a blog a good idea but I also think a forum topic that covers health, life, disability, commercial, liability and other insurance needs for the small business would be great.  It seems like I have been working on these topics constantly for the past 25 years and I never feel like I have a clue about what is going on.  Being able to share successes and failures would really help the decision making process.

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Bert at Harvey Software, Inc.
Multi-Carrier Shipping Software and Supply Chain Solutions for Internet Retailers

Also a provider of free shipping information and resources at Harvey Software`s Parcel Shipping Blog along with free tracking solutions at TrackingPage.com...

I agree with you all, about the `Topic`.  I`d like to learn where to get Health Ins. at a good rate, as a lot of other people.  So, please include me with the information .

Include me too great idea. /pages/community/smileys/smiley17.gif

I have several questions and the reason I cant get past my initial goal of starting up right is simple Health Insurance. This is a must for me.

I am currently 18 and have disabilities which are ADHD, OCD and some others. I can NOT go without being unmedicated so I have pre existing conditions on new health insurance plans. At the moment I am only able to work part time. I am trying to start a business however need to pay taxes if I dont want to get in deep trouble with the IRS. I am currently a dependent on my mothers insuance so I have medications. So if I pay taxes I am no longer a dependent on her health insurance. This means I wont have health insurance. I am not a student either. I want to start my business while I am at home so I have a ledge to fall onto if needed.

Sum it up....
I have to have health insurance
I want to set up a legal business and follow IRS regulations
I can only work part time.
I am not a student

The only way I know how to do this is to pay for Health Insurance. Ok, I have no problem with this, I could pay for it from my part time job. Now when I look at Good Health insurance plans that pre existing conditions are covered on the first day it is like $2k a month. I wont even make $1k a month from my part time job.

I hope I explained this right as I am new to this and dont understand it 100%.

Please help if you can! Thank You