Health Insurance For The Unemployed - articles - What Is My ...

Facing unemployment is difficult for anyone. The fear of not having steady, reliable income and the difficulty in finding a new job are enough to bring even the strongest individual to tears. Lack of health insurance seems to just be the icing on the cake when it comes to this sort of situation, which can prove unbearably depressing at times.

Fortunately, there are options when it comes to health insurance coverage for anyone that finds themselves suddenly without employment. From state and federal programs to private insurance companies, most (but not all) people can find a policy that is both affordable and provides the needed coverage.

Individuals that have been previously insured by their previous employer should strongly consider requesting COBRA, at least until they locate another option. COBRA ( the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) must be legally offered to most employees upon the termination of their employment. There are, however, some stipulations that must be met to be eligible for COBRA, but for the most part, anyone who lost their job by no fault of their own can obtain coverage for both themselves and any dependents for 18 months. Some extenuating circumstances, such as in cases of disability, may allow for a maximum coverage period of 36 months.

While COBRA can certainly be helpful, it is often unaffordable. Since most jobs are lost without extensive notice, it is best to go ahead and enroll in COBRA as soon as possible, and then look around for other options. Most private health insurance companies look for continual coverage when providing a health insurance quote, making the extra expense of COBRA for a brief period of time worth the investment. COBRA coverage may be terminated at any point by the consumer without any penalty.

Visit your local state social services office and inquire about your options through them. Medicaid may be possible if certain requirements are met, including a maximum income requirement or disability. Do be aware that the process of determining eligibility for Medicaid can take up to three months, or even longer depending on the situation.

Contact a health insurance broker. These may be found online, or locally. Often car insurance brokers also offer their services to individuals seeking affordable health insurance as well. Essentially a health insurance broker obtains all of the necessary information from you, including some rather personal details that will be asked of you by private insurance companies anyways, and does the legwork for you.

The broker will request quotes from private health insurance companies that they believe will offer both reasonable premiums and adequate coverage. Once the quotes have been received, the broker will then weed out the policies that are simply too expensive or with too little coverage, and present you with the options. There is no charge to you. The premium is paid directly to the broker, who then forwards it to the insurance provider, and the broker is paid a certain amount for each policy. This is often the best choice for anyone looking for the best deal.

Casey Trillbar is the editor of the YourOnlineInsuranceAgent.com website which offers information, resources and online home, auto and health insurance quotes. For more information visit: http://youronlineinsuranceagent.com

Source: http://articles.whatismycomputerip.com/20427/health-insurance-for-the-unemployed.html

cleveland browns michael vick patriots heather locklear kenny britt matt hughes matt hughes