How to Get Health Insurance When Unemployed

Health insurance is considered essential these days. While hospital costs are soaring, other health care services also come at a high price. If you are employed, you likely get insurance coverage from your employer. However, if you are not employed, you will have to look for other ways to get adequately insured.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Learn your options for getting health insurance. There is plenty of information on the internet. You can also get information at your local unemployment office.
2. Explore COBRA (the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act), a federal law that permits many employees and their dependents to continue on an employer's group health plan after being unemployed. You can go this route if you were laid off or were unemployed by the company due to some reason.
3. Check your state’s coverage policy. You may qualify for continuation of coverage based on your past job.
4. Go online and search for individual health coverage options. Depending on the state you reside in, you may qualify for cheap individual health coverage when unemployed.
5. Contact a health insurance agent and seek advice on the best kind of coverage while unemployed.
6. Check out HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) of 1996 that allows insurance for some individuals who lose group coverage. It has a separate method of charging the premium and provides coverage for at least two health insurance policies that do not impose a pre-existing medical condition exclusion period. Inquire if you are eligible, as it would also depend on your COBRA coverage. You must have used up 18 months of COBRA in order to qualify.
7. See if you qualify for Medicaid. If you are disabled, above 65 years of age or if you are a woman and pregnant, you may qualify for Medicaid. It offers cheap insurance for people with low income families. Contact Medicaid directly by visiting their official website (www.cms.hhs.gov).
8. Contact pharmaceutical companies that manufacture drugs. They have programs for people who are uninsured. The financial assistance under the program is limited to the cost of medication and does not cover doctor or hospital visit expenses.

Tips & Warnings

• Collect the maximum information from your local unemployment office when you have questions.
• If your unemployment period is temporary, it is best to stay insured using the COBRA.
• Being a member of certain alumni associations, groups and fraternities can help you get cheap coverage when unemployed. Become a member of such organizations, if you are not already.