First of all, once you're done with Cobra they have to offer you a comparable policy. It won't be cheap, but they have to offer it. Since it's going to be expensive, you may want to find a new one, so you need to start looking now because you don't want a lapse in coverage. Usually, if there's no lapse, pre-existing conditions should be covered. A personal policy is going to be a little expensive because of your disease (I'm assuming you have CD), but you may be able to find an HMO with higher Co-pays that isn't outrageous. I would contact a broker, someone who can and will look at different insurance companies, not one that works for one company.
Alternatively, you could talk your employer into offering insurance since it's a small company. They don't have to pay all of it, or even any of it, but a group plan would be a better option for you, even small groups can get you a huge break in pricing.
Judy
25+years diagnosed with CD.
Numerous surgeries, permanent ostomy, adverse reactions to Remicade, finally off of Prednisone, hoping for a long remission from this last surgery.