subject: Finding Health Plans While Out Of Work [print this page] A job loss is always toughA job loss is always tough. In the US, the unemployment rate is still quite high. The experts tell us it will not go down soon. In addition to worry over money to pay bills, many people lose health insurance benefits when they lose their jobs.
There are some good unemployment heath plan choices though. It will be worth it to find out what resources are in your own area before you need them because of an urgent health need. The best choices for you and your family will depend upon your own unique situation.
Some employers must extend group medical for several months after an employee is terminated. You may have heard of COBRA health plan extensions before. This may be a good option, and it should be considered if a person or family needs group medical benefits.
However, now the unemployed person has to pay more for their coverage. They have to pay their old employee portion. But they also have to pay the employer portion and an administrative fee. Many terminated employees are shocked at the high bills they get to keep their group medical benefits.
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.
Some people can get declined for individual health insurance because of a pre-existing health condition. This could be diabetes, high blood pressure, or even pregnancy! They may have to look for other options.
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.
You can find out more about state and national high risk pools by looking for information for your state. The federal plan is new, but state websites have posted information abot it.
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.
If you have trouble paying for medial care, you can also look for national, state, or county health systems and low cost clinics. One good place to find help is the PPARX.org website.
Finding good health coverage, when you are out of a job, can be very tough. But there are some resources for you to use. Please look into your alternatives before you have an urgent medical problem.
