How do I get quality healthcare if I don’t work somewhere that provides it

By Jessica Dosseh

If you are an independent worker, freelancer, unemployed, or if your job doesn't offer healthcare, you have options for accessing quality healthcare. You can find the right healthcare solution for your needs and budget. Consider private insurance plans, government-sponsored programs, and community health clinics.

How do I get quality healthcare if I don't work somewhere that provides it?

Not having access to proper healthcare can be stressful, especially with the rising costs – a single trip to the emergency room could easily cost you over $1,000 or, in some cases, $10,000 or more.

Health insurance is extremely important whether you are employed, working independently, or unemployed. Health insurance protects you from unexpected, high medical costs. Many people rely on their employers to provide healthcare benefits, so what do you do if you find yourself in a position where you are an independent worker, unemployed, or if your job doesn't offer healthcare benefits?

First, take a breath and understand that you have a right to good health care just like anyone else. Finding the best solution that works for you may take some time, but it isn't completely impossible.

Healthcare plans for independent workers and the unemployed.

The main difference between unemployment health care and healthcare perks from a job is the cost. If you are an independent worker, freelancer, unemployed, or your job doesn't offer healthcare, it can be challenging to access quality healthcare. However, options are available to help you get the care you need.

It's important to shop around and compare plans to find the best fit for your needs and budget. As you shop around, consider private insurance plans, government-sponsored programs, and community health clinics to find the right healthcare solution for your needs.

Private health insurance plans are available from insurance companies and can provide coverage for a variety of medical services, including doctor's visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications. The cost of private health insurance plans can vary depending on the type of coverage and provider you choose.

Government-sponsored healthcare programs are designed to provide healthcare coverage to individuals and families who meet certain income and other eligibility requirements. In some cases, you may be able to enroll in these programs even if you are not employed.

Community health clinics and other organizations offer free or low-cost healthcare services to individuals who cannot afford private insurance or who do not qualify for government-sponsored programs. These clinics may offer a range of services, including primary care, preventive care, and specialty care.

To find healthcare options available in your area, you can visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website or contact your state's health insurance marketplace. You can also ask your healthcare provider or local hospitals and clinics about programs and services that may be available to help you get the care you need.

Healthcare options.

Your Parents' or Spouse's Health Insurance Plan.

If you are a stay-at-home parent, a child who has not yet found a job, or a spouse who is between jobs, you may be able to get health insurance through your parents' or spouse's employer-sponsored health insurance plan. Many employers allow employees to add their spouses and children to their health insurance plans, although the employer is not required to subsidize coverage for family members. The cost of adding a spouse or child to a policy may be different from the employee's premium. A spouse or child can usually be added during the plan's annual open enrollment period, but if you lose coverage due to a qualifying event, you may also be able to get health insurance from your spouse or parents during the year. Individuals under the age of 26 may be able to get health insurance through their parents' plans under the Affordable Care Act. If you are under 26 and lose coverage, you should ask your parents if you can be added to their health insurance plan, although this may increase their premiums. Consider paying them the difference in price if you can.

COBRA Health Insurance.

If you recently lost your healthcare because you lost your job, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) allows certain individuals to continue their employer-sponsored health insurance coverage for a limited time after their employment ends or they experience other qualifying events. This can be a good option for those who have lost their job and healthcare coverage, as it allows them to keep their existing healthcare plan for up to three years. However, the individual will have to pay for the plan themselves, which can be expensive. Employers are required to notify insurers of an individual's eligibility for COBRA, and the individual has 60 days to decide whether to enroll and pay the first monthly premium. Because former employers will no longer pay part of the cost, the amount you have to pay could rise significantly, perhaps even by 80%. The cost could be daunting, but it is the easiest way to get insurance uninterrupted if you don't expect to need it for long. Financial assistance may be available in some cases. COBRA is only a short-term solution and may not be the best option for those who expect to qualify for Medicare soon.

Marketplace Health Insurance.

A healthcare marketplace health insurance plan can be purchased by anyone who lives in the United States, is a U.S. citizen or is lawfully present, and is not incarcerated. This insurance option can be a good choice for stay-at-home parents or individuals who are between jobs. In most cases, individuals can apply for health insurance through their state's marketplace or Healthcare.gov during the open enrollment, which typically takes place from November to December each year. If you do not sign up for health insurance during the open enrollment, you may not be able to apply for traditional coverage through the marketplace unless you qualify for a special enrollment period. A special enrollment period is available to individuals who have a qualifying life event, such as getting married, having a baby, or losing health insurance coverage. You have 60 days to choose a new health insurance plan if you qualify for a special enrollment period. If you miss this window, you will have to wait until the next open enrollment period.

Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are government-run programs that provide free or low-cost health insurance to low-income individuals, certain disabled people, and children up to age 19. In recent years, 38 states and the District of Columbia have expanded their Medicaid programs to provide coverage for all people who earn below a state-defined poverty level, which is often 138% of modified adjusted gross income as defined by the federal government. Eligibility for Medicaid may also be determined based on assets and other factors. Some adults in the 12 states that have not expanded Medicaid may earn too little to qualify for coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) but too much to qualify for Medicaid. In this case, finding work or engaging in self-employment may increase their income and make them eligible for ACA coverage. Use this questionnaire to see if you are likely to qualify for Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), based on your income.

Medicare.

Medicare is a government-run program that provides health insurance for people 65 and over and some younger individuals with disabilities, such as permanent kidney failure. Original Medicare covers about 80% of beneficiaries' medical expenses, so many people also purchase Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as Medigap, to cover the remaining costs. Other individuals may choose to enroll in Medicare Advantage plans, which are offered by private insurance companies and provide all-in-one coverage that includes the benefits of Original Medicare. Medicare and Medigap plans can be complex, so it is important for individuals to carefully consider their options when first enrolling in a plan. If you do not enroll during your initial enrollment period, you may face difficulties switching from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare or obtaining Medigap coverage with a pre-existing condition.