Keeping Yourself Insured While Unemployed

As the economic situation gets worse, more and more companies are laying off staff, and thus many more people are facing unemployment. Accompanying that is the loss of insurance coverage, which can be considered more important than the loss of income. For those with families in need of health insurance coverage, this can be a devastating blow. Insurance companies these days have become inherently scrutinizing when it comes to those who have had a lapse of insurance for a period of time. Additionally, spending a few months without coverage can exacerbate pre-existing conditions, making matters even worse.

If you’re suddenly without a job, most likely you will be covered under COBRA, a Federal plan passed in 1986 which allows you to continue your company’s health insurance for up to 18 months, payilng out of your own pocket. If you were under a group plan before, the cost is likely to be reasonable in many cases. However, if you are without an income, you may not be able to take advantage of the COBRA option.

It is worth investigating the options out there if you find you can’t take advantage of COBRA coverage. Independent providers often offer short term or temporary health insurance, usually lasting six months at a time. These can be beneficial if you need to keep your family covered while you are between jobs. They can also often be less expensive than COBRA coverage would have been, especially if your employer paid part of your premiums.

The stress of not being covered by a health insurance plan can claim more attention in our lives than it deserves, but nonetheless, it is an issue. Affordable health care should be a right and not a privilege just for the rich. Hopefully soon our government will be able to provide us all the coverage we deserve.

These days, the internet is the best and most efficient resource for investigating the best coverage available to you. Check out the health care options available to you locally, as your state may offer some discounted programs. Whether your health insurance needs are because you lost your job, or whether your employer doesn’t offer a plan, there’s surely a plan that can help you.

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