How to Quality for Free Health Insurance

Healthcare is one of the nation's biggest issues today.  Everyone wants healthcare or health insurance, but not everyone can afford it.  Thankfully, there are many free health insurance plans that you may qualify for.  Depending on your income, employment or age, you may qualify for free health insurance.

Qualify Based on Income

1. Visit your local Department of Health and Human Services.  You can search for local offices in your state by using an online search engine.


2. Fill out an application for Medicaid.  You will need to provide information including your name, age, address and any diagnosed medical conditions.


3. Provide proof of your income.  You can do this by supplying copies of your pay stub for the last three months.  You may also need to provide copies of your federal and state tax return.


4. Wait for a representative to determine your eligibility.  This may be done using a computer program on the same day of your visit or you may have to wait for eligibility to be determined.  Usually the waiting process takes 7 to 10 days.


5. Provide additional information or gather information regarding the use of a Medicaid card if you qualify for the program based on your income.


6. Consider alternative qualifications for the Medicaid card including children under the age of 18, blind or disabled persons if you do not qualify based on income alone.

Qualify Based on Employment

1. Obtain a job that offers health insurance as a benefit.  Talk to your employer if you are unsure about health insurance benefits.


2. Maintain the required minimum hours per week.  Most employers who offer free health insurance require employees to work a minimum of 35 hours per week.  This number may vary depending on your employer or your location.


3. Fill out any required paperwork to initiate your health insurance benefits.


4. Gather information regarding in-network and out-of-network doctors and hospitals.  This will vary depending on the insurance plan.


5. Get an insurance card that you will provide to the doctor’s office or hospital when getting specific healthcare.

Qualify Based on Age

1. Contact AARP if you are over the age of 50.  This plan offers a wide variety of benefits for people over the age of 50.  You will need to provide proof of your age with a driver’s license or birth certificate.


2. Apply for Medicaid insurance by contacting your local Department of Health and Human Services if you are pregnant or have a child under the age of 18 living in your home.


3. Apply for Medicare insurance by contacting your local Department of Health and Human Services if you are over the age of 50.  If you qualify, Medicare insurance may also be used to supplement other healthcare insurance plans.