It may seem impossible to find affordable health insurance if you are out of work, but if you know where to look and are determined, you can find it. People who are self-employed or who have jobs but don't get health insurance through their employers can actually benefit from a lot of the same advice.
The first thing you need to do if you're out of work and looking for cheap health insurance is to find out if you're eligible for COBRA. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) made it possible for people who lose their jobs, are laid off, or switch jobs to temporarily continue to get health insurance benefits from their old group. So, if you just lost your job because of any of these things, which are called "qualifying events," you should contact your former employer to find out more about your COBRA benefits.
The second step for unemployed people to find cheap health insurance is to look into short-term health insurance. Short-term health insurance plans are made with people who are out of work in mind, so you can probably afford the rates. They can last from six to twelve months, so they are great for people who are actively looking for work or another way to get cheap health insurance.
The third step for unemployed people looking for cheap health insurance is to call their state's insurance department and ask about programmes for which they are eligible. Most states give residents who meet certain income requirements some kind of free or low-cost health insurance. Some states even have special low-cost plans for people who can't get health insurance any other way. At the very least, you should find a free or low-cost programme that will cover your children's health care or help with their special health care needs (i.e. diabetes, mental health, female health check-ups and conditions, etc.)
Even if your job changes, that doesn't mean your health needs will change. It may take some work, but it is possible for unemployed people to find health insurance that is cheap.
