Scott...
Similar circumstances here. I was working P/T at a restaurant to be eligible for group health. The restuarant closed and I lost my coverage. Due to pre-existing, the only thing I could do was get on Cobra. Another option you and I have as Florida residents is the Single Group Enrollment mandated to insurance companies by the State. But, the only time you can enroll is during August. I am still trying to get more info on it.

The link to the Florida Department of Financial Services had a posting about this, but I have not been able to relocate it. Maybe you will have better luck. Here is the link to the master side: http://www.fldfs.com/
Eddie