Hey Rae, the important thing is to not have a break in coverage. As long as there is not a break in coverage, moving from your employer plan to either COBRA coverage (if eligible) or an individual plan, you will not be faced with a pre-existing condition clause. I know COBRA premiums are outrageous, but there are other more affordable individual plans you can get until you can get covered on a new employer plan (hopefully).
If there is a break in coverage of more than 63 days, then you could be faced with a pre-existing condition clause on a new plan...there is no way around it unless they are a large carrier and just do not have any clauses but most do.
Like others said, Obama care is doing away it....gradually.

Nanc