Can I reduce or eliminate the maximum preexisting condition exclusion period?
Yes, if you can show "creditable coverage." Most health coverage can be used as creditable coverage, including participation in a group health plan, COBRA continuation coverage, Medicare and Medicaid, as well as coverage through an individual health insurance policy. However, you should try to avoid a significant break in coverage (63 days) if you want to be able to count your previous coverage. If you have a break shorter than 63 days, coverage you had before that break is creditable coverage and can be used to offset a preexisting condition exclusion period. Days spent in a waiting period for coverage cannot be used as credit. But, they also are not counted toward the significant break (63 days) you are trying to avoid.

My new employer has a waiting period before any new hire can enroll in the group health plan. How does this relate to a preexisting condition exclusion period?
An employer's health plan may indeed have a waiting period before any employee and his/her dependent family members can enroll. If that is the case, the plan booklet (called a summary plan description (SPD)) will say so.
If a plan has a general waiting period and a preexisting condition exclusion period, both time periods must run concurrently. For example, an employer may impose a 3-month waiting period for all employees to begin health coverage. Some employees may also be subject to the maximum preexisting condition exclusion period of 12 months. In this example, the maximum preexisting condition exclusion period remaining is 9 months long.
Be aware that your plan may not have a preexisting condition exclusion period, so be sure you know your new company's policy when you enroll.

I have an opportunity to take a new job with a better title and a minimum $5k yearly salary increase (plus bonuses).

Sad thing is, I have a pre-existing health condition, so I'd have to keep COBRA to keep it covered, and the new insurance wouldn't kick in for 120 days past the first of the month after the start date.

I cannot afford to pay for 4+ months of COBRA, PLUS medications, doctors visits, etc., so I'm beating my head against the wall, feeling like I'm being held hostage at this job simply because I have a medical condition.

Apparently, no one is allowed to want to better themselves if they're sick.

Come on, Obama, hurry up!

Why don't you just forget about the insurance and pay for any healthcare you need out of pocket? Or else do without?

Some people don't have $50,000 to $100,000 laying around for a medical issue. In October 2008 I spent 13 days in the hospital at a cost in excess of $60.000. Getting sick isn't cheap.

Some people don't have $50,000 to $100,000 laying around for a medical issue. In October 2008 I spent 13 days in the hospital at a cost in excess of $60.000. Getting sick isn't cheap.

I cannot afford to pay for 4+ months of COBRA, PLUS medications, doctors visits, etc.,