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USI Insurance brokerage and consulting - thoughts? A recruiter reached out to me via linked in and I was wondering if anyone had any opinions on this company. They seem to have decent reviews on Glassdoor but I was hoping to get more insight into workload and comp. Thanks in advance! USI
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COBRA is actually better than you think. It’s expensive because it’s not subsidized by you company but you’re getting their negotiated rates on your deductible, your out of pocket max, plus their large network of providers. And you’re likely on a PPO plan so you don’t need referrals. Marketplace plans don’t compare to COBRA. They don’t have any of the things I mentioned above and often cost more than COBRA.
Here is a rundown I posted yesterday that might give you some background and a sense of other options. Note that your COBRA and insurance premiums are tax deductible if you’re freelance. So get yourself a good accountant.
This is particular to NY - I can’t speak for other states.
https://joinfishbowl.com/comment_afpjx5dspg
Expensive, and went up. Can’t afford health insurance. We have catastrophic coverage only, for emergencies, to fit our budget. It’d be $2,000/mo to insure 3 of us (on top of enormous deductible) via marketplace, and even more via Cobra. So instead of us paying $24,000 for a year for healthcare coverage, we’re paying under $5K for catastrophic.
Plan to cash-pay any doctor visits, which would be significant savings ($200 or less approximately for doc visit, 2-4 a year.) Use GoodRx, and any drug discount options available for our few prescriptions.
Spouse & I are both unemployed. We’re fortunate to be healthy. I hate postponing regular checkups/preventive diagnostics…being optimistic that one of us find a job in Q1 2026, for benefits.
We got dental on our own though since it’s ‘more affordable’ …wish us luck ! 🫤
It’s open enrollment right now. You can try healthcare.gov
In California, we have Covered California so there may be a state level program in your state. It’s all expensive unfortunately. But since you’ve been laid off, you might be eligible for ACA credits if Republicans don’t eliminate them ☹️
Sorry about the layoff! Stay on Cobra while you figure out your options.
Thank you one and all.
Thanks for sharing. I’m so sorry about the layoff. I once survived a few years with no coverage & cash paid urgent care when needed, sometimes it’s what you have to do. It will be ok!