First of all, Good Luck to Rick w/ the interview, etc…
Since you are moving out of state, I think one thing Risha is saying is that it likely depends on your in-force provider network whether or not COBRA is worth considering. Your current plan will pay benefits at, say, 80% in-network (after deductible), but only pay 60% out-of-network. Out-of-network stop-loss amounts are much higher as well (which means much higher potential out-of-pocket cost if you have serious claims). In/out of network benefits are usually paid at 100%/80%, or 90/70, 80/60, or even 70/50.
Most (if not all) insurance companies should have on their website links to find providers in their network. Or, if carrier might use a national network, or negotiated network, in which case you might be able to find in-network providers on the network’s own site. . . . I’m not sure what kind of coverage you have, but $400/month sounds pretty good for COBRA (I’m assuming that’s for the both of you).
It sounds like you belong to a self-funded group, which is likely but not always governed primarily by ERISA (federal law) and may work a little differently than typical “risk” health plans which are regulated by both state and federal laws.
Risha’s advice is excellent. By all means, see if your plan has reciprocity or a “wrap” network. My health plan, which only does business in one state, has a wrap-around network which may improve your out-of-network benefit by having discounted rates with certain providers throughout the country. There are a few national networks like this, such as Beech Street and USA MCO. If your plan has an arrangement with one of these entities, there may be a logo or other info to that effect on your ID card.
I am pretty sure that our network is self-funded. I checked the website and there are no out of area providers. And $400 is just for me; if I add Rick, it jumps to $700 a month. If he takes the contract job, though, he can buy benefits for $200 a month for himself only, $600 for both of us.
It might be that we won’t need all this good advice after all, though, because Rick’s interview went spendidly. At the end of today’s phone interview, the person he spoke with said he would call back later this week and let Rick know if they wanted to meet him in person.
He called back 45 minutes later and asked Rick if he could come next Monday. I think that’s a good sign.
