Lost your Job and Can’t afford COBRA? Financially Surviving the Unexpected
If you’re here reading this, chances are you’re grappling with a significant life change—perhaps one filled with pain, uncertainty, and maybe even anger. I’ve been there too, navigating the aftermath of a job loss that led me down the illusory yellow brick road of COBRA coverage. What awaited me was a costly mirage: sky-high insurance premiums and healthcare that didn’t meet my real-life needs.
But here’s the good news: you have options. We’ll delve into those shortly, but rest assured, you’re not alone in seeking answers during this challenging time.
As a global CHRO for over 25 years, I’ve held some of the toughest roles in the corporate world, managing countless reorganizations, downsizings, and the difficult task of exiting thousands of workers—which inevitably meant a LOT of COBRA conversations. What I wish I knew then was that there are other options, most importantly more affordable options, for the people I worked with.
So, what exactly is COBRA? It’s legislation that offers short-term healthcare coverage (typically up to 18 months) to those who experience a change in benefits eligibility at work. Whether due to job loss or reduced hours, COBRA’s continuation coverage can provide stability if you’re in the midst of medical treatment, to buy you time to explore alternatives, or simply offer peace of mind when everything else feels uncertain. But be warned—depending on your situation, you might have to foot the entire premium, up to 102% of what you paid while employed. And unless your income is below $20,000 annually, subsidies may not ease the financial burden (and don’t forget that if you’re one of the 39 million people residing in California, state law says you have to have healthcare coverage and there’s a fine for non-compliance). That was my reality with COBRA—premiums that strained my wallet and limited my options elsewhere.
I only discovered healthsharing when a friend introduced me to WeShare. The contrast with my COBRA premium left me stunned, saving 55% per month in premiums! I had to wonder—did such low monthly contributions mean sacrificing quality, switching providers, or being lost in bureaucracy?
In my experience with WeShare, it was quite the opposite. I retained my providers without compromise and gained additional benefits that amazed me. Programs like Fitbod and Noom weren’t just for emergencies—they promoted proactive health. Services like BetterHelp underscored WeShare’s commitment to holistic well-being.
If you’re navigating a job transition and curious about the benefits that convinced me to join the WeShare community, reach out to me and I’ll connect you to a member of the WeShare team.
Helena Ferrari, GPHR, PHR
Fractional CHRO/CPO | Advisor | Risk Mitigator
949.393.9676
