Getting health insurance without a job sounds nearly impossible. Also, this applies to the situation where there is a gap between jobs.
Well, it might FEEL nearly impossible…but there’s some good news:
You can get affordable health insurance through the marketplace, through COBRA, through Medicare, and even more options if you are unemployed. Below is a guide to acquiring health insurance while being unemployed.
Step-By-Step How To Buy Health Insurance Without A Job
Here’s what you can do to get insurance if you don’t have a job.
- Apply for Medicaid
- If denied from Medicaid, apply for Obamacare through Special Enrollment
- Apply for COBRA health insurance (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) if you have lost/quit your job or experienced fewer working hours
1. Apply For Medicaid
Medicaid is an insurance program that provides affordable health insurance for those who are in low-income status.
Not only can you apply for Medicaid insurance if you have low-income status but the elderly, families and children, pregnant women and people with disabilities are eligible.
Fortunately, many states have expanded their Medicaid programs in order to cover more people of the aforementioned categories.
If you want to apply for Medicaid, click the button below to get some free quotes from our experienced health insurance agents.
Why Apply For Medicaid If I Don’t Have Income?
The goal of Medicaid is to provide cheap health insurance for people who are of low-income and various other categories. If you don’t have income then you are eligible.
Sometimes you might not be qualified for health insurance based on certain factors of your income. However, you might be qualified for your state’s program.
Find out if you qualify for Medicaid based on income alone.
Medicaid insurance lends you many benefits if you have low or no income and have difficulty obtaining these such as home health services, physician services, EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment services)
Bear in mind, you can apply anytime. If qualify, you will be covered immediately.
How To Apply For Medicaid In Nevada
If you live in Nevada, you can apply for Medicaid through our experienced and highly-trained health insurance specialists.
2. If You Get Denied From Medicaid, Then Apply For Obamacare Through Special Enrollment
If you get denied from Medicaid, it’s not the end of the world! Your next step is to apply for Obamacare through Special Enrollment.
Obamacare is usually acquired through the Open Enrollment period, but if you miss it, don’t worry.
What If It’s Not Open Enrollment Right Now?
Open Enrollment period usually runs from the beginning of November to mid-December.
In that case, Nevada’s Open Enrollment for 2020 is Nov 1, 2019 through Dec 15, 2019.
Being affected by a ‘qualifying life event’ such as losing your job or health coverage, you may be qualified for Special Enrollment where you can apply for Obamacare outside the Open Enrollment period.
Find out if you qualify for Special Enrollment by getting in touch with our trained health insurance consultants.
How Much Does ObamaCare cost?
Your Obamacare costs are calculated through these factors: your age, income, family size, location, and what plan you choose.
The good thing is Obamacare costs are lower for those who have low
income. If you qualify for it, you can get plans charging less than $100 per month.
Most of the Obamacare plans wouldn’t need taxes paid.
Contact us if you live in Nevada and have any inquiries about Special Enrollment and Obamacare. We also can help with your application.
3. Health Insurance After Quitting Job – Does It Work The Same Way?
Let’s say you have quit your job and you are absolutely confused if your circumstances are relevant for Medicaid or Obamacare health insurance applications.
You still can purchase a health plan through the Marketplace such as Obamacare through the Special Enrollment Period.
But what if you want to keep your job-based health insurance plan?
There is an option…..
Look Into COBRA
COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act) health insurance allows you to temporarily continue your job-based health plan for a limited time (around 18 months) under certain circumstances such as involuntary job loss.
For those who are qualified for COBRA, they would have to pay the entire premium for coverage up to 102 percent of the plan. Plus a small administrative fee.
If you have a spouse or dependents, you might be granted coverage for up to three years.
NOTE: You must be covered by the job-based plan at the time after quitting your job – otherwise, you won’t be eligible for COBRA.
If you have questions about COBRA, please reach out to one of our licensed agents.
