Q:  I have a pre-existing condition (Diabetes type 2) I cannot choose an alternative plan and I don't see any other options for enrollment with regular Cobra. How do I enroll in regular Cobra?

A:  COBRA is the name of a federal law. COBRA contains provisions giving certain former employees, retirees, spouses and dependent children the right to temporarily continue their health coverage at group rates. Your employer is required by law to offer you the continuation of their group health policy for up to 18 months if there are more than 20 employees. You will need to request a COBRA packet from your employer, sometimes the HR dept or benefits manager. They will send you an election form in the mail (they have 45 days to send it) for you to complete. Once you complete this form and return it with in 60 days, your insurance will be retro-active to your last day of employment.  You will not have any lapse or gap in coverage.

The plans online are alternatives to Cobra. The main difference between this plan and Cobra is that it doesn't cover pre-existing conditions.  Since you have a pre-existing health condition you should contact your previous employer to sign up for COBRA through them.