Unemployed people

Health coverage options if you're unemployed

Option 1: Explore coverage options through the Marketplace

• With one application, you’ll find out if you’re eligible for a Marketplace health plan,
  Medicaid

  Insurance program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to some low-income people, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Many states have expanded their Medicaid programs to cover all people below certain income levels.

  Refer to glossary for more details.

  or the
  Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

  Insurance program that provides low-cost health coverage to children in families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to buy private insurance. In some states, CHIP covers pregnant women.

  Refer to glossary for more details.

  .
• Savings and eligibility are based on your household size and your estimated income for the year you need coverage, not by your employment status.

• If you don’t qualify for savings based on your household income, you may be able to get a
  Catastrophic plan

  Health plans that meet all of the requirements applicable to other Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) but don't cover any benefits other than 3 primary care visits per year before the plan's deductible is met.

  Refer to glossary for more details.

  and use a
  Health Savings Account

  A type of savings account that lets you set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualified medical expenses. By using untaxed dollars in a Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and some other expenses, you may be able to lower your overall health care costs. HSA funds generally may not be used to pay premiums.

  Refer to glossary for more details.

  to help with your health care costs. Discover more coverage options.
• If you can't afford a Marketplace plan, you can find low-cost health care at a nearby community health center.

Option 2: Enroll in COBRA continuation coverage, if offered

• COBRA is a federal law that allows you to maintain health coverage temporarily after your employment ends, you lose coverage as a dependent of the covered employee, or due to another qualifying event.
• If you choose COBRA coverage, you’ll pay 100% of the
  premiums

  The amount you pay for your health insurance every month. In addition to your premium, you usually have to pay other costs for your health care, including a deductible, copayments, and coinsurance. If you have a Marketplace health plan, you may be able to lower your costs with a premium tax credit.

  Refer to glossary for more details.

  , including the portion previously covered by the employer, plus a small administrative fee.

What to do when I get a job