Cobra details and alternatives.

My husband is an LTE who is eligible for health coverage in August. Currently we are covered through my work but I am switching jobs and my new job (starting May 21) does not have an option for coverage. So if I leave my current job in May, we will need short term insurance until August.

Someone told me employers have to cover you for any month you are employed in, and that COBRA starts the following month. Since I work about 30 hrs at my original job I’m wondering if it will be worth trying to work both jobs until the end of the following pay period which ends June 2.

I estimated COBRA will cost my husband $1400/mo, even though it’s great coverage (no deductable) that is still a lot to pay each month.

I have read that other gap insurances are somehow scams and don’t count as coverage in terms of incurring a tax penalty for not being insured the full year.

I don’t trust my HR department so any advice would be appreciated. Reading federal regulations is always a bit confusing for me.