| Affordable health insurance for the | | | | so rates are most likely within your budget. |
| unemployed may feel impossible to find, but | | | | They can last anywhere from six to 12 months, |
| as long as you know where to look and have | | | | so they're perfect for individuals who are |
| determination it is within your reach. | | | | actively seeking employment or another form |
| Actually, self-employed individuals and | | | | of affordable health insurance. |
| individuals who are employed but aren't | | | | |
| offered employer-sponsored group health | | | | The third step to finding affordable health |
| insurance can benefit from the much of the | | | | insurance for the unemployed is to contact |
| same advice. | | | | your state's department of insurance and |
| | | | request information about subsidiaries for |
| The first step to finding affordable health | | | | which you're eligible. Most states provide |
| insurance for the unemployed is to find out | | | | some form of free or low-cost health coverage |
| if you're eligible for COBRA. The | | | | for residents who meet certain income |
| Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation | | | | requirements. Some states even have special |
| Act of 1985 (COBRA) made it possible for | | | | low-cost health insurance plans for people |
| individuals who are terminated, laid off, or | | | | who can't otherwise obtain health insurance. |
| transferring jobs to temporarily continue to | | | | At the very least, you should find a free or |
| receive group health insurance benefits. So, | | | | low-cost health coverage program that will |
| if you've just recently become unemployed for | | | | provide health care for your children, or |
| any of those reasons, referred to as | | | | assistance with special health care needs |
| "qualifying events," contact your former | | | | (i.e. diabetes, mental health, female health |
| employer for more information about your | | | | check-ups and conditions, etc.) |
| COBRA benefits. | | | | |
| | | | A change in your employment status doesn't |
| The second step to finding affordable health | | | | mean a change in your health needs. It may |
| insurance for the unemployed is to check into | | | | take some footwork, but it's possible to find |
| purchasing short-term health insurance. | | | | affordable health insurance for the |
| Short-term health insurance policies are | | | | unemployed. |
| designed with the unemployed person in mind, | | | | |