Many people ask: “How can I get health insurance without a job?” The fact is that most health insurance plans expire when you lose your job. However, some employers extend coverage until the end of the month after you’re laid off. Under the law known as COBRA, you can keep your current plan if you qualify. COBRA allows you to continue to receive health care coverage, but you must pay full premiums and expenses. This process can be expensive, which is why many people opt to sign up for an unemployed health insurance plan. Unemployed health insurance plans are more affordable and offer similar coverage.
Short-term health insurance
If you’re unemployed and looking for coverage, you can find short-term health insurance plans through the ACA marketplace. These plans are designed to provide short-term medical coverage and are available in every state. But, if you’re not working and don’t have an employer-sponsored plan, you may not be able to use these plans because they don’t cover pre-existing conditions and often don’t meet the minimum essential coverage requirements.
Medicaid
The work requirements for Medicaid coverage are designed to increase employment, but their impact on enrollees is unclear. The work requirement is not an effective method of increasing employment, because enrollees who are unable to work often face barriers to finding work such as low skills, criminal records, and a lack of child care and transportation services. Further, work requirements have been found to lower enrollment in Medicaid in general, and are not beneficial for people with disabilities.
COBRA
When you lose your job, you may wonder if COBRA insurance is still available to you. In general, COBRA coverage is designed for people who have lost their employer’s health benefits. Depending on your situation, you may also qualify for COBRA coverage if your spouse or dependents lose their coverage as well. If this is the case, the best option for you may be a short-term health plan. These plans offer low-cost coverage and can be renewed up to two times. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind when deciding between COBRA insurance and another option.
Short-term health insurance plans with high deductibles
For healthy individuals, short-term health insurance plans with high a deductible are a perfect fit. These types of plans often have high deductibles and no copays, so you’ll have no problem paying the higher costs if you only visit the doctor once in a while. However, if you are prone to getting sick and can’t wait to sign up for coverage through your employer, you should avoid short-term plans with high deductibles.
Short-term health insurance with employer-sponsored coverage
Unlike traditional insurance, short-term health insurance plans can provide coverage the same day you apply. However, they do not cover pre-existing conditions and may not qualify for tax credits or subsidies. If you don’t have a job, you can apply for short-term health insurance through a university alumni association. While university associations do not cover the premiums, they can provide a group discount.
