Unemployment Medical Care Alternatives

A little of half of Americans actually get their medical plan from work. The other half has to seek other private, governement, or community based alternatives. This can be true if you have lost your job, or if you have a job with no medical benefits.

Some can purchase private medical plans. Others rely on government governement benefits. This can be a real problem during periods of unemployment. Since the US unemployment rate is still fairly high, many families are struggling to pay health care costs. It is important to figure out your own strategy for affording health care during times of unemployment. How can you get unemployment health insurance?

If you have lost your job, you may qualify for a COBRA law extension of medical benefits. Many companies must extend coverage of their medical insurance plan to terminated employees for several months. Some smaller companies are excluded. Also, this is not a cheap benefit. Even though the terminated employee may take advantage of their old group medical benefit, they will have to pay for it. THey will not just have to pay the old company contribution either. They will usually have to pay the whole amount without the employer contribution. A COBRA extension can be very helpful. It does not help everybody though. You may need a COBRA health alternative!

An individual health insurance plan may be a better option. If you are young and healthy, premiums may actually be lower than they were for your old group plan. Before you decide, look closely at the plan benefits though. In some states, for example, it is almost impossible to get individual health insurance that covers maternity. If a family member is pregnant, it is probably better to try and keep your old group benefits if you can.

If you have lost your income, and have little savings, you may be better off with a government program. The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIPS) provides medical plans for children of families with low to moderate incomes. Medicaid covers people with very low incomes and few assets. It is easy to search online for these programs. Some county health systems have programs for low income people too. In addition, private foundations and charities may help with grants to cover costs of treating an illness.

If you have lost your job and your medical benefits, it is important to figure out a good strategy to get help paying for medical care. You never know when you may need that help.


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