Introduction
Have you ever thought about what health insurance coverage is even possible when you don't have a job? I did. And I had many discussions with my friends on how people can get health insurance without having a job. Well, here's the truth. It's not that hard if you're willing to take these small steps and put in the time and effort necessary to get this done.
Health insurance, whether you are employed or not, is a necessity in life, especially for those over the age of 30. The costs of hospital visits for those with no coverage can quickly add up. And if you have been and are currently out of work, it's important to take a look at your options when it comes to finding health insurance on a temporary basis.
Is Health Insurance Even Possible Without a Job?
The short answer: yes, you can get health insurance without a job if you're in a state that doesn't require it.
The longer answer: It depends on your age, income and other factors.
That's because there's no one-size-fits-all requirement for health insurance in this country. Some states require employers to offer health insurance, while others don't. Some states require individuals to buy coverage themselves and others don't. And some states offer plans with high deductibles or even no deductibles at all — making it possible for people without jobs to get some coverage without technically qualifying for an exemption from the law.
But let's start with an example: If you're an adult under 30 in Massachusetts and have no dependents, you don't need employer-provided health insurance — so long as you're not eligible for Medicaid (the state's single-payer health plan for low-income residents). In fact, there's no minimum income level required whatsoever to qualify for MassHealth (the state's version of Medicaid), which covers everyone up to 138% of the federal poverty line ($16,643 per year for an individual).
Get Health Insurance If You're Unemployed
If you're unemployed, you can get health insurance by buying a policy on your own. But if you're not yet eligible for Medicare, or don't have enough money to pay your costs after paying for the premiums, this strategy is probably not for you.
Buying Your Own Health Insurance Is Not for Everyone
If you're unemployed and looking for a job, the best thing you can do is focus on getting back into the workforce. The more time you spend trying to find a job — whether directly or through agencies like Craigslist — the less time you'll have to worry about finding health insurance.
The Unemployed Person's Guide to Health Insurance
If you're unemployed, you may be wondering how to get health insurance. Here are some options:
Catch-up health insurance. If you're under 65 and have Medicare (or if you're eligible for Medicare), you can buy "catch-up" coverage that pays a higher rate than other Medicare plans. The cost of this coverage depends on your income and health status, but it's usually cheaper than regular Medicare.
Self-employment insurance or COBRA. If you have a job that offers coverage but is ending or otherwise changing, COBRA allows you to keep your employer's health insurance policy until the end of the plan year — even if you leave the company or switch jobs. But it's expensive: You'll pay between $200 and $400 per month for coverage, plus an additional $50 or so each time your spouse goes without employer coverage (unless he or she has another job).
Short-term health policies. Short-term medical policies (30-day policies) are available from some insurers, including Blue Cross Blue Shield plans and Aetna HMOs (also known as "consumer-directed" plans). These types of policies offer limited benefits at low prices.
How do I get health insurance in NJ if unemployed?
Your job is not the only thing that determines whether you can get health insurance in New Jersey. You must also meet the criteria of your employer's plan and live in the state for at least six months during the year to qualify for that coverage.
If you're unemployed, you can still purchase an individual policy through the New Jersey Health Benefit Exchange (NJHBE), but it will cost more than what you could pay when you are working. In order to afford this higher premium, your income will need to be at least 150 percent of poverty level (about $14,000 for an individual). If it's below this amount, you may be eligible for subsidies through Medicaid or another government program.
How do I get health insurance without a job in Florida?
If you’re trying to get health insurance without a job in Florida, you have a few options. The first is to take advantage of the state’s high-risk pool. If you have pre-existing conditions, this may be your best option.
The high-risk pool was created in 2009 to help people who were uninsured or underinsured due to preexisting conditions pay for their health care. The program is funded by premiums paid by insurers and employees who don’t have access to employer-sponsored insurance through a job.
In order to qualify for this benefit, you must be uninsured for at least six months before applying for coverage; must make less than $33,800 annually; and must not be eligible for Medicaid or Medicare.
There are several other ways that people can get health insurance without a job in Florida:
Coverage through an employer plan
If you have family coverage through an employer plan or if the company offers employee-only private plans, they will likely provide affordable coverage with no co-pays or deductibles. You may even qualify for discounts on brand-name drugs if you pay cash instead of using your insurance benefits.
What happens if you can't afford healthcare in America?
What happens if you can't afford healthcare in America?
If you're uninsured, you could lose your job. You could have to pay the bills and go to the emergency room or go without treatment altogether.
The uninsured are more likely to go without care. In fact, they're twice as likely as those with health insurance to delay or skip needed medical care because of cost. They're also three times more likely than the insured to report that they or a family member went without needed medical care because of cost.
When someone can't afford health insurance, they may also be less likely to get regular check-ups and preventative care, which can save money later on down the road when they need expensive treatments.
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