[pct-l] Domestic Travel Health Insurance

[kentr-lists at sbcglobal.net (Kent Ryhorchuk)]

Note Califonia state law applies to some of this; things may be
different in your state.

I went on a leave-of-absence when I first hiked the PCT and my employer
discontinued benefits under such conditions. In that case I was eligible
to use COBRA to keep the same benefits until I returned. The price was
reasonable, but not great.

This year I have already quit my job forever, and did not want to pay
the higher COBRA premiums and I also wanted a long term solution. I
chose to not elect COBRA and get my own personal health insurance. This
is cheaper, but only if you do not have a pre-existing condition.

In either case, I didn't want to take the chance on short term
insurance. Good, affordable long-term health insurance is unobtainable
once you are chronically ill.

Kent.