Unemployment Health Insurance

Since unemployment is on many people’s minds these days, I have seen a lot of new stories about possible aid for newly terminated employees so they can extend their COBRA group health benefits. So that may reduce the actual out of pocket cost of keeping group health, even after a layoff. This addresses the problem for the newly unemployed, but not for the large group of people who have been struggling with health insurance for years.

Who Can Find Affordable Health Insurance?

Fairly young and / or healthy people should be able to qualify for fairly affordable major medical premiums from private companies. It is important to compare the costs and benefits of several different types of plans. Consumers should think about their own health needs and risks, and purchase a plan that will cover them, but not purchase so much coverage that the policy cannot be afforded.

For instance, if a young woman thinks she may get pregnant, be very careful when considering private plans because normal pregnancy coverage is rare on the individual market. And if a terminated employee has a health condition, they should also be careful. Again, private companies do not have to accept every applicant, and people should make certain that they can get accepted before they cancel a COBRA extension.

Alternatives To Private Medical Plans

Of course, county, state and federal health programs do exist to cover people who cannot access other options. There are usually some income restrictions, or an applicant must show proof they have been declined by an insurer.

Author: Marilyn Katz
Source: ezinearticles.com