Health Insurance Options for the Unemployed
The following options are available to you.
High-Risk Pools
Currently, over 30 states offer high-risk pools as an option for persons who are otherwise unable to qualify for health insurance coverage.
COBRA
COBRA allows individuals and their dependents the opportunity to continue their job-based health insurance coverage even after employment ends.
Conversion
Many states provide individuals and families the option to convert their group health plan into a non-group health insurance policy that is purchased from their former insurer.
State Continuation
Some states offer continuation coverage that allows individuals and their dependents the opportunity to continue their group health insurance coverage even after employment ends. This coverage is only available to companies with 20 or fewer employees.
Individual Coverage
Individual health insurance policies may be an option for people who do not have access to job-based coverage. Some states offer individual coverage to all persons regardless of their health status.
HIPAA-eligible
HIPAA-eligible individuals are provided protections under federal law when they lose their group health insurance coverage. These individuals have the opportunity to elect new coverage regardless of their health status.
Medicaid
Medicaid provides medical care to certain individuals and families with low incomes and resources.
Prescription Assistance
Most pharmaceutical companies have established patient assistance programs to help uninsured individuals get the medications that they need to stay healthy.
If you or your loved one is unable to see a physician due to the cost of care, there may be a local community health clinic in your area. These clinics generally are free to patients or require a very small fee. Find a clinic in your area.
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