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How to Get Health Insurance Without a Job

Health insurance is a sensitive issue in the United States. We do not have universal health care like many other developed countries, so we are on our own when it comes to getting covered without an employer’s help. Luckily, there are several different options out there, ranging from Medicaid to private insurance.

Medicaid

Medicaid is the most effective option for those without a job or living with little to no income.

Designed for low-income individuals and families, Medicaid presently enrolls over 72 million Americans and provides quality coverage thanks to expansions under the Affordable Care Act. To check whether you are eligible for Medicaid, check out your state’s Medicaid requirements. This is likely the most cost-effective choice for those without a job who are living with little to no income.

Basic Health Program

If you do not qualify for Medicaid through your state’s requirements but cannot afford private health insurance, then the Basic Health Program set up by the government could assist you.

Affordable Care Act

Also called “Obamacare,” the Affordable Care Act expanded the scope of healthcare in the United States in many ways, as well as eliminating pre-existing condition exemptions and improving access to affordable plans for individuals and families. It also offers more tax exemptions and rebates for health insurance purchases.

Through the Affordable Care Act, you can get insurance at different tiers — gold, silver, or bronze — with various levels of coverage, deductible rates, and monthly premiums. The higher the premiums, the lower the deductible will be, but the higher the monthly premium rate will also be. Younger individuals with little to no history of medical problems usually choose the high deductible, low premium plans, while older persons might want to go the reverse route to save on out-of-pocket expenses in case of a pricy medical procedure or emergency.

The amount you’ll need to pay in monthly premiums also depends on your present income. If you do not have a job, then paying more than a couple hundred dollars per month for health insurance just isn’t a choice.

Spouse’s Work Plan

Enrolling in your spouse’s plan significantly lowers your insurance expenses.

Attention, married people: Look into enrolling for your partner’s health insurance through his or her employer if the company allows family members to be added to plans. This could significantly lower your insurance expenses because many employers cover part or all of the plan’s costs (which also usually comes at reduced rates thanks to group discounts). Ask your spouse to talk to his or her employer to explore what choices you might have available before looking for insurance elsewhere.

University Health Insurance Plan

If you are currently a student, you could qualify for your university’s health insurance plan. These plans typically cover primary health care and possibly dental and vision. Contact your student health center for more information regarding coverage and costs.

Private Health Insurance

This is by far the costly option on this list but could offer the best coverage with lower deductibles if you expect higher medical bills in the coming months. Even if you do not have a job, paying more for health insurance now can alleviate difficulties in the long run in case you do run into some pricy medical issues while you are not employed.

While we lack universal health care, we do not lack options. Even if you have lost your job, there is still a way to get the coverage you need.

References and Resources

• The Affordable Care Act
• Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum Health Plans