If you have seen the news, you probably know that the US unemployment rate is still very high. People who lose a job have a lot of stress. They need to look for a new job, but also how to pay bills without a paycheck! Health insurance plans can be one expensive bill that just will not fit into a strained budget!
But unemployed people can find some ways to get health coverage for their families. There are unemployment health insurance alternatives that should be checked out! The right health plan to tide a family over will depend upon their own situation.
Some terminated workers can extend their company health benefits because of COBRA laws. Some people should consider this option as their group benefits may be very good and hard to replace!
Not everybody gets a COBRA extension though. In addition, the premiums are high now. Instead of just paying the employee contribution, the terminated employee usually must pay the whole premium. This can be a big an unpleasant surprise to many terminated employees.
Some individuals or families may have cheaper alternatives. There is a large and active private major medical market. Premiums may be lower for some families and individuals. However, private plans may not cover everything that a group plan covers.
One big issue for people seeking private medical plans is that not everybody will be accepted. Some applicants are denied for coverage because of pre-existing health conditions or lifestyle issues.
Every state has some sort of high risk health pool for declines. It can be a good option for people who cannot get other coverage, but it can also be expensive in some states. There is a new federal health plan that should have lower premiums, but it has not been fully implemeented yet in every area.
Look for more details abot state and federal high risk health insurance in your state. The national plan is new, and still evolving, but your state website should have updated details.
If you have lost your income, and also have few assets, you might try to apply to Medicaid. Medicaid is the US health insurance for poor people and families.
CHIPS is the national health insurance program for the children of low to moderate income families. It also covers pregnant women. This may be a good aternative to make sure that kids and pregnant women are covered.
There are also county health systems and federal clinics that provide some health care on a sliding scale fee. The Partnership for Prescription Assistance runs a website which helps people find low cost or free prescriptions. Their website, PPARX.org, is a great resource to find all sorts of medical help if you do not have much money.
It can be very tough to find the right health care when you lack health insurance. Some options are in place if you know where to look!
Are you unemployed? Visit here for information about COBRA health alternatives. Find your unemployment health alternatives!