If you’re like most people, your job provides health insurance. If you lose your job or switch jobs, though, you might wonder if affordable health insurance is even possible.
It turns out there are many ways to do just that and some of these options may be cheaper than what you have right now. This is true even if you don’t qualify for a government health insurance program like Medicaid or Medicare.
We’ll explore what we mean by “affordable” and why it’s important to get medical coverage as quickly as possible after losing a traditional group plan.
Then we’ll go over ways to find an individual or family health insurance plan without coverage from an employer, whether you’re single, married, self-employed, unemployed, retired early (congrats!), between jobs and looking for work, or still in school
| Takeaway |
|---|
| Explore government healthcare programs for coverage options while unemployed. |
| Consider COBRA continuation for continued access to your employer-sponsored health insurance plan. |
| Check your eligibility for Medicaid, as it may provide health coverage during periods of unemployment. |
| Utilize Health Insurance Marketplaces to compare and purchase suitable insurance plans. |
| Determine if you qualify for subsidies to lower health insurance costs while unemployed. |
Understand Your Options
Get a head start. If you are not currently working, it’s important to understand your options in advance so that you can get started on the right track as soon as possible.
Understand the costs and benefits of each option. While there are many different types of insurance plans available, some may be better suited for your needs than others.
For example, short-term plans offer limited coverage but tend to be cheaper than traditional individual health plans (sometimes by more than half).
On the other hand, high-deductible plans offer lower premiums but require individuals to pay out-of-pocket expenses before their coverage kicks in.
In addition, HSA-eligible plans allow people over age 65 who qualify for Medicare benefits (not those who have received Social Security disability or SSI) to set aside tax-free money within an HSA.
Or similar account that they can use towards medical expenses without penalty upon retirement age (and if they do not use it all during those years).
Traditional and Medicare Advantage Plans
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Consider Short-Term Health Insurance
Short-term health insurance is not a permanent solution to the problem of having no job, but it can help you get coverage until you find a job or other source of health insurance.
Short-term health insurance is not COBRA. If you qualify for COBRA and want to take advantage of this option, it’s important that you understand how it works so that when the time comes, you’ll be able to decide whether or not COBRA is right for your particular situation.
Short-term health insurance is not a substitute for comprehensive or employer-sponsored coverage.
If possible, look into getting on your spouse’s plan if they have one through their employer or union membership;
If they don’t have any options available due to preexisting conditions or other limitations, then short term plans may be an option worth looking into further before making a final decision about what type of coverage makes sense for each unique case at hand but remember:
These companies have their own rules about who qualifies and what kind(s) of illnesses qualify as preexisting conditions! Don’t just sign up blindly because someone told them about this awesome $5 per month policy off craigslist.”
Find A High-Deductible Health Insurance Plan
You can also find a high-deductible health insurance plan. These plans are cheaper because you will have to pay for more services out of pocket, but they can be good for people who are healthy and only need basic care.
If you don’t think that the deductible will ever apply to you, then this may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if your medical bills are high and expensive treatments are needed often (e.g., cancer treatment), then this might not be right for you either!
It’s important to keep in mind that high-deductible plans require more responsibility on behalf of the consumer because they’re less likely to cover preventative care or routine doctor visits without having met their deductible first (which means paying out of pocket).
However, they do tend to come with low monthly premiums which could save some money depending on how much those expenses would cost otherwise and since most people don’t use healthcare very often anyway it could actually end up being worth it over time!
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Explore HSA-Eligible Health Insurance Plans
Another factor to consider is whether the health insurance plan you are interested in is HSA-eligible. These plans are cheaper and have lower deductibles, which can save you money overall.
The difference can be significant a family of four with a $10,000 deductible could pay an average of $1,200 more per year for coverage under a non-HSA-eligible plan than they would if the policy was HSA-eligible, according to eHealth.
If you have a high deductible health plan (HDHP), then it’s important to stay on top of your out-of-pocket costs throughout the year and save up that money in your HSA if you intend on using it toward medical bills later on.
Your employer may also offer an employee contribution into an FSA or HRA fund as part of their benefits package;
These accounts allow employees to set aside pre-tax dollars from their paycheck every pay period towards paying future medical expenses such as doctor visits and prescriptions.
Consider Joining The Military
If you’re looking for health insurance, joining the military is one of the best options. That’s because military health insurance is available to anyone who is not already covered by another type of group or individual policy (such as COBRA or Medicare).
It’s also much more affordable than civilian health insurance. For example, a single member of the U.S. Army must pay just $1 per month for basic medical coverage through Tricare Prime a plan that includes general checkups and preventive services like blood tests and vaccinations.
All other types of treatment are free at any facility on base or off-base in the United States (or overseas if you’re stationed there). In addition to Tricare Prime, there are several other programs available depending on your needs (for instance:
Tricare Reserve Select provides portable supplemental coverage while traveling); some plans have higher premiums but lower deductibles than others you’ll have to weigh what works best for you based on your own budget and needs.
If you have a preexisting condition when signing up, some plans may require prior authorization before covering certain treatments; however this can usually be avoided by paying out-of-pocket until approval comes through.
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Look Into COBRA
COBRA is a federal health insurance program that allows you to keep your employer-sponsored health insurance for up to 18 months after you leave your job. The catch is that COBRA is expensive as much as 102% of the premiums charged by your former employer.
However, if you have a chronic illness and think you may need health coverage for more than five years, COBRA might be worth considering.
It’s also important to note that there are some states where COBRA benefits are extended beyond 18 months so make sure to check with your state’s unemployment agency if necessary.
Change Jobs
If you have a job, then you can keep your health insurance after you change jobs. This is the best option for people who need good coverage but are currently not eligible for Medicaid or Medicare.
If this sounds like it might be right for you, consider changing jobs to one that offers better benefits and more financial security.
Additionally, if your child is still young enough (under 19) and in school full-time at an accredited institution of higher learning, they may be able to stay on their parent’s plan until they turn 26 years old but only if their parent has some form of health insurance.
Tap Into A Spouse’s Plan
If you’re married or in a long-term relationship, this is the most obvious solution to your health insurance problems. Your spouse can get health insurance through their job and add you to the plan as a dependent.
If you don’t have a spouse with health insurance: If your partner doesn’t have private or employer-sponsored coverage, there are other options for getting yourself and your family covered.
In general, these plans require some kind of monthly payment (often called “premiums”) that goes towards paying for medical services. You can explore all of those options here!
How to find someone with health insurance: If you’re looking for potential candidates on Tinder or another dating app, try saying something like “I need health care” or “my parents won’t let me use their coverage anymore.”
You’ll probably end up with more matches than usual but remember not everyone lives in the same state as you do!
So if they say they work at [INSERT COMPANY HERE], don’t just assume it’s true unless they include an address in their profile (and even then there could be issues).
Check out what kind of job listings are available near them using Indeed’s Job Search tool before meeting up with anyone face-to-face; if nothing is listed yet then maybe wait until after graduation so that finding employment isn’t such an urgent matter anymore 🙂
Enroll In Medicare
If you’re a senior and have been unable to find or keep a full-time job, you can enroll in Medicare.
Medicare is the federal government’s health insurance program available to people over 65 or those under 65 who have disabilities.
It offers an array of services that include hospitalization, outpatient care (such as doctor visits), prescription drugs, home health services, and hospice care.
You can apply for Medicare on the official website here.
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Ask About HIPAA Coverage
Another option for non-employees is to get insurance through a spouse or partner who works for a company that offers health benefits. If your spouse or partner has coverage, you may be able to sign up for their plan as part of their employee benefits package.
Your spouse’s job might offer the best possible coverage, but it’s not always the case. The most important thing to consider when getting health insurance through this method is whether HIPAA rules apply and if they do, how many employees are covered by the policy?
HIPAA the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act is a set of federal regulations that protect patients’ rights regarding privacy in healthcare settings. These rules apply differently depending on whether your husband’s workplace has more than 50 employees or not:
Get Covered Under Medicaid
Medicaid is a health insurance program for low-income people. Medicaid serves as the primary payer of long-term care services, such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities. It’s also available to children, pregnant women, parents, and people with disabilities.
If you’re already receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may be eligible for Medicaid coverage.
If your income falls below 133% of the federal poverty level or if you live in an institution like a nursing home where most of your care is paid for by Medicare or Medicaid, then it’s likely that your medical bills will be covered by one of these government programs.
The good news is that getting approved for SSI/SSDI isn’t as difficult as it used to be thanks to recent changes in a policy designed to make disability claims easier overall.
Check Out Your State Health Insurance Program (SHIP)
Many states have health insurance programs for people who are low-income or disabled.
These programs, known as SHIPs (State Health Insurance Programs), are usually free or low-cost to members; they’re also not subject to the same rules as private health insurance, which means you may be able to get services that aren’t covered by your coverage elsewhere.
To find out if you qualify for a SHIP in your state, call your local Department of Health or Human Services office and ask about eligibility requirements and what services are covered by the program.
Take Advantage Of Special Opportunities For Low-Income Citizens
If you’re a low-income citizen, there are some additional steps you can take to get health insurance. There’s a lot of information out there, but the most important thing is to get started.
Here are some opportunities:
Check out your state health insurance program (SHIP). Your SHIP may be able to offer you coverage for all or part of your medical expenses.
However, it can be very difficult for people living in poverty who don’t have a job with benefits like healthcare coverage through their employer, so this isn’t an option for everyone.
Apply for government health insurance for kids and teens (SCHIP). If you qualify based on income levels and other factors, SCHIP may help cover the cost of dental care and prescriptions through its program called “Part B.”
In many cases, this will mean no out-of-pocket expense at all but always check with your local SCHIP office first before enrolling in any plans offered by them!
You’ll need proof that your child qualifies; they may ask various questions like whether they live within their district boundaries or not so make sure everything’s right when filling out forms online etcetera…etcetera…etcetera…?
Apply For Government Health Insurance For Kids And Teens (SCHIP)
The next step is to apply for government health insurance for kids and teens (SCHIP). SCHIP is a government health insurance program for children and teens that covers everything from physical exams to prescription drug costs.
It’s free or low-cost health insurance, depending on where you live and it’s available in all 50 states, so there’s no need to worry about moving across state lines if your family has already moved during this period.
If your child isn’t eligible for Medicaid, they may be eligible for either SCHIP or another form of government assistance such as the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Retire Early To Get Medicare Sooner
If you want to qualify for Medicare before age 65, there are three ways to do it:
You can be disabled. The Social Security Administration defines disability as “the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity because of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.”
You may qualify for Medicare if you’re blind. If your vision is 20/200 (or worse) in your better eye with glasses or contact lenses or if it’s correctable only up to 20/200 with glasses or contacts.
You’ll need a statement from an ophthalmologist stating that these impairments have existed for at least 12 months.
Also keep in mind that even though the test is done by an ophthalmologist, they don’t have access to all medical records; they only see what’s reported on the application form and what’s visible during their examination.
You may also qualify if you’ve been receiving Social Security benefits for 2 years before turning 65
Purchase Long-Term Care Or Disability Income Insurance For Major Medical Events Down The Road
Long-term care, or long-term disability insurance, is a type of insurance that pays out when a person becomes disabled and can no longer work.
Long-term care insurance covers the costs of nursing home and assisted living facilities, home health aides, adult day care, etc. It also covers other kinds of expenses related to your condition such as medical equipment and transportation services.
The benefits from long-term care policies will typically last until you reach age 65 or until the policy expires (whichever comes first). Most people don’t need coverage for their entire lives since most people won’t live in nursing homes for very long after they turn 65 years old (if at all).
If You Are Without A Job, There Are Many Ways To Find Affordable Health Insurance
If you’re without a job and need to get insurance, there are a few ways. One of them is short-term health insurance.
This type of plan provides coverage for up to one year, but it does not cover the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) essential health benefits that include things like hospitalization and prescription drugs.
Another option is high-deductible health plans, which have lower premiums than traditional plans but require you to pay more out of pocket until your deductible has been met.
High-deductible plans also may have limits on how much they’ll pay towards certain services before they stop paying anything at all this amount is called an out-of-pocket maximum limit.
If your income qualifies you for an HSA account, you can use money from this account to pay for healthcare expenses without having them counted as part of your taxable income in the year following their purchase.
Or transfer into the account if done before April 15th each year (for example: if done after March 31st).
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Conclusion
It can be very stressful to find affordable health insurance, especially if you don’t have a job. Luckily, there are lots of ways to get coverage even without a regular income.
You might qualify for government programs like Medicaid or VA benefits, or ask about programs for low-income citizens in your state.
There are also many options for buying private insurance, such as short-term plans and high-deductible plans that can save you money on premiums while you’re out of work.
Hopefully, now that we’ve taken the mystery out of how to get health insurance without a job, we’ve made it easier for you to stay healthy!
Further Reading
Healthcare.gov: Health Insurance for the Unemployed Short Description: Get insights into health insurance options available for those who are currently unemployed.
Investopedia: How to Get Health Insurance Without a Job Short Description: Learn about the steps and alternatives for obtaining health insurance coverage while not employed.
Capital One: Unemployment and Health Insurance Short Description: Discover how to manage health insurance during periods of unemployment and make informed financial decisions.
FAQs
Can I get health insurance coverage while unemployed?
Yes, there are options available for health insurance coverage during periods of unemployment. You can explore government healthcare programs or consider private insurance plans to ensure you have essential medical coverage.
What is COBRA, and can I use it for health insurance?
COBRA stands for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, which allows you to continue your employer-sponsored health insurance plan after job loss. However, be aware that you may have to bear the full cost of the coverage, including the employer’s contribution.
How can I determine if I qualify for Medicaid during unemployment?
Medicaid eligibility varies by state, but during periods of unemployment, you may meet the income requirements to qualify for this government health insurance program. Check your state’s Medicaid website or healthcare.gov for more information.
What is a Health Insurance Marketplace, and how does it work?
Health Insurance Marketplaces, also known as exchanges, are platforms where you can compare and purchase health insurance plans. If you’re unemployed and don’t qualify for Medicaid, you can explore Marketplace plans to find suitable coverage.
Can I apply for subsidies to help with health insurance costs?
Yes, if you’re eligible for a health insurance plan through the Marketplace, you may also qualify for subsidies to lower your monthly premiums. These subsidies are based on your income and family size, helping to make health insurance more affordable during unemployment.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.
