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A little more information is required to be helpful. For example, where are you located? Health insurance varies greatly by state. Are you the owner of the s

A little more information is required to be helpful. For example, where are you located? Health insurance varies greatly by state. Are you the owner of the startup? If so, are their cofounders? Usually group insurance is a possibility and if all the cofounders are young and single it is usually pretty inexpensive. If it is just you then do you have any expensive pre-existing conditions? If not, then individual insurance is pretty cheap if you are young and single. Although that can vary by state. Or you could just risk it until January when mandatory insurance coverage goes into effect.

niggler 14y ago
Based in New York, owner of the startup, have two employees that are in a similar position (under 26, covered under parents' insurance) and we are trying to decide whether it makes sense to individually continue an extra year using COBRA or just dive into a group plan now.
- thejteam 14y ago
  That's interesting, I didn't know that COBRA applied when moving off of a parents plan like that. As a general rule, COBRA will be a lot more expensive than an individual plan, unless pre-existing conditions are involved, especially if you are young. In all likelihood it will also be more expensive than a group plan in your case. I don't know how New York works, but in Maryland small businesses can enroll in a small group health plan. Costs are based on the average age of the employees in the company. Can pick the level of benefits. More expensive than an individual plan for young people, but the benefits are usually better and you have all of the standard group health protections. I don't normally advocate this because I really dislike the "agent" concept in insurance, but a local insurance agent can probably help you pick the best option.
- rdouble 14y ago
  If you are mostly healthy, in New York I would suggest a basic emergency care plan from Blue Cross and a membership to One Medical. The main reason for comprehensive health coverage at your age is if you have chronic conditions which require expensive medications. With an emergency care plan, you are covered if you get hit by a bus, and with One Medical you can easily pop in to see the doctor if you get the flu or just want a checkup for whatever reason. http://www.onemedical.com/nyc http://www.onemedical.com/nyc
  - niggler 14y ago
    You bring up an intriguing option. Since none of us have kids, this is a great stop-gap measure before scaling up.
    - Suraj757 14y ago
      Did you end up choosing something? I fall under the same boat - turning 26 in a few days. Startup founder in NYC but no one else currently needs insurance on my team.
- salahxanadu 14y ago
  COBRA is ridiculously expensive. Go on ehealthinsurance and find yourself a plan. You'll be able to get something minimal for cheap and something comprehensive for mostly affordable prices.

niggler 14y ago

Based in New York, owner of the startup, have two employees that are in a similar position (under 26, covered under parents' insurance) and we are trying to decide whether it makes sense to individually continue an extra year using COBRA or just dive into a group plan now.

thejteam 14y ago
That's interesting, I didn't know that COBRA applied when moving off of a parents plan like that. As a general rule, COBRA will be a lot more expensive than an individual plan, unless pre-existing conditions are involved, especially if you are young. In all likelihood it will also be more expensive than a group plan in your case. I don't know how New York works, but in Maryland small businesses can enroll in a small group health plan. Costs are based on the average age of the employees in the company. Can pick the level of benefits. More expensive than an individual plan for young people, but the benefits are usually better and you have all of the standard group health protections. I don't normally advocate this because I really dislike the "agent" concept in insurance, but a local insurance agent can probably help you pick the best option.
rdouble 14y ago
If you are mostly healthy, in New York I would suggest a basic emergency care plan from Blue Cross and a membership to One Medical. The main reason for comprehensive health coverage at your age is if you have chronic conditions which require expensive medications. With an emergency care plan, you are covered if you get hit by a bus, and with One Medical you can easily pop in to see the doctor if you get the flu or just want a checkup for whatever reason. http://www.onemedical.com/nyc http://www.onemedical.com/nyc
- niggler 14y ago
  You bring up an intriguing option. Since none of us have kids, this is a great stop-gap measure before scaling up.
  - Suraj757 14y ago
    Did you end up choosing something? I fall under the same boat - turning 26 in a few days. Startup founder in NYC but no one else currently needs insurance on my team.
salahxanadu 14y ago
COBRA is ridiculously expensive. Go on ehealthinsurance and find yourself a plan. You'll be able to get something minimal for cheap and something comprehensive for mostly affordable prices.