So, I've accepted a position with another company and am facing the first health insurance change for me since 2011. A lot has changed since then - ACA is full throttle, I have dependents , etc. I'm trying to think this through and make sure I have a correct understanding. So, current job will insure me through the end of Feb. New job will allow me to start on their insurance May 1. Based on my reading of ACA and tax law, I am allowed to have one short-term coverage gap in 2018. Obviously, the mandate goes away completely in 2019, but that is not the case this year. I insure myself and our kids; my wife has her own policy through work. We have no known issues; i.e. no known care to maintain during this transition.
What is the best course of action? Do I wait, and only declare COBRA if something happens (Is this still an acceptable practice)? Do we all surf over to my wife's plan for 60 days and pay the insane premium for family coverage; her plan is expensive for non-employees. I'm trying not to miss something. I have the funds to pay for kids getting sick, but I want to insure I am not missing something if something really bad happens during this interim period.
What is the best course of action? Do I wait, and only declare COBRA if something happens (Is this still an acceptable practice)? Do we all surf over to my wife's plan for 60 days and pay the insane premium for family coverage; her plan is expensive for non-employees. I'm trying not to miss something. I have the funds to pay for kids getting sick, but I want to insure I am not missing something if something really bad happens during this interim period.