...surgery 2 years ago, any ideas?
I am on Cobra right now but that runs out at the end of November so I am scrambling to try to find something. Everything I am looking has that preexisting condition standing out in bold print.

most HMO's don't worry about pre-existing conditions.

i hear a lot about how bad they are, but Kaiser-Permanente is really good. nothing like the horror stories you hear. no - i don't work for them.

If you are currently covered, you might not be subject to preexisting condition rules. The proof of current coverage should be sufficient for you to find new coverage. Perhaps there is a person in the HR department of your company who can help you with this, or you can call the insurance companies you are considering and ask them.