[awsmith4]

That sucks Al, when I was laid off COBRA became our only option seeing as Erika was 8mos pregnant and pregnancy is a preexisting condition. We have explored many avenues since then and a private policy is what we have been under until just recently when I landed a job again with benefits (well I still have 30+ days till they kick in). The only other suggestion is to search companies that offer benefits even for part time employees. A second job sucks but it is another option. I am sure many things have have changed with the economy but Starbucks, Home Depot and quite a few others used to offer benefits for part timers. Good luck brother I hope it works out for you