About Unemployment Health Insurance
When you lose your job, you will also lose your health care benefits. The government and the insurance companies supplies you with alternative options while you are unemployed. It’s important to learn about unemployment health insurance to see if you can qualify and the costs associated with it.
- While most employee plans will not just drop once you are out of work. They do continue for a limited amount of time. Private insurance companies can change rates and benefits at will and they can deny you coverage at their discretion.
- You can continue your health insurance through a program called COBRA, which means you can have coverage for up to 18 months. You will be responsible for paying the whole monthly premium, which can be expensive.
- Short-term insurance can provide you with coverage until you get another job. You can keep it from six months to a year and it covers the unexpected things, but does not cover pre-existing conditions.
- You can select a type of coverage with some of the same benefits to a group plan under the HIPPA. This is a conversion plan and premiums are not regulated.
- Apply for state-funded programs, like Medicaid. You will be eligible while you are on unemployment. Go to your local Department of Human Resources or Department of Temporary Assistance, they will be able to let you know if you qualify.