I recently found out that I fall within the income range to receive free medical care and prescriptions from Grady Hospital, so I let COBRA go. With the COBRA subsidy, I was spending close to $400 a month between premiums, doctor visits, and prescriptions. Without the subsidy, I’d pay around $650 a month. With Grady, I’ll pay nothing. I was SHOCKED to find this out, because I fully expected to contribute something to my health care costs. But, far be it for me to look a proverbial gift horse in the mouth.

I only had 6 months of COBRA eligibility left, anyway. The insurance company said at the end of the 18 month term I could convert to an individual policy, but with all my pre-existing conditions, I’m sure I would not have been able to afford their premium. And, even if I could, I’d be paying more for less coverage, have higher co-pays, and higher deductibles, etc. It’s in my best interest to get on with Grady. Yeah, I’ll have long waits to see the doctor and to pick up my meds, but a couple of good books and my iPod will help.