Husband lost job over holidays - have been on cobra insurance since then. Have to see derm. dr in March for a 6 month post surgical re-check - also would like him to look at a few new spots. Husband may be taking new job - and have new insurance before then. Should I continue with Cobra for this appt - and have this derm. not look at the new spots (because then they would be pre-existing if I should have to do anything with them - with new insurance?) What to do? Also - this derm.does not take new insurance - will have to look for new dermatologist.

If you didn't have a lapse in coverage (and it doesn't sound like you did being on COBRA) and had at least 12 months of coverage before then (and in some states it might be less, I can never remember), then the insurance company can't classify it as a preexisting condition. You should have gotten what's called a certificate of creditable coverage from your husband's last employer/carrier (or you may get one once COBRA ends).

Yep, If you live in NJ, and had no lapse of coverage, then by law they cannot deny coverage for any pre-existing conditions. I just went through all this b/c my company is closing, laid off all but a few who were tying up loose ends. The Monday after I was laid off, I called my insurer to buy my own individual coverage. I knew I would need it quickly b/c I have many pre-existing conditions. I did have to write down anything I was treated for in the past 6 months and any meds I was taking and fax it to them. However, b/c I had continuous coverage, even the Insurance co. told me the pre-existing clause wouldnt apply to me b/c of that. So if you keep cobra until you get new insurance at another job, even that new insurer cannot deny you coverage for pre-ex. conditions as far as I know.