Health Insurance Assistance for the Unemployed
Having health insurance can help lower the financial stress of unemployment. Although finding affordable coverage becomes a challenge when you don't have a job, but options do exist.
Key Takeaways
- You might be able to continue your employer-sponsored health insurance through COBRA by paying the full premium plus a small administrative fee, though it's often expensive.
- If COBRA isn't an option or becomes too costly, your state insurance department can offer alternatives like Medicaid, CHIP for dependents, independent policies, or state-sponsored assistance.
- Community and educational resources such as industry trade associations, alumni organizations, local churches, and universities can provide access to free or reduced-cost medical services, and clinical trials at medical schools may offer free care.
- States may provide lists of companies offering temporary health coverage, which can be cost-effective with high-deductible, low-premium plans.
Consider the COBRA option
Though it's considered an expensive option, COBRA—which stands for Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act—health insurance may also be the easiest to get. Here are some of the key characteristics of a COBRA plan:
- This program allows you to purchase the coverage you had through your employer by paying the group plan premium plus an administration fee of up to 2 percent.
- You have 60 days after getting a COBRA letter from the plan administrator to sign up, then another 45 days to pay the first premium.
- Federal law requires employers with more than 20 employees to offer COBRA for 18 months to those whose employment was terminated.
- When COBRA ends, you may be able to convert to an individual policy.
Approach your state insurance department
When your COBRA ends, or you cannot afford the premiums, your state's insurance department may direct you to alternatives, such as:
- Medicaid
- Children's Health Insurance Program—CHIP—if you have dependents
- independent policies
- any state-sponsored assistance
CHIP and Medicaid benefits are not included as taxable income. Your state also may keep a list of companies that offer temporary, short-term health coverage, such as those available through college alumni groups, that can tide you over. Opting for a high-deductible, low-premium plan or major medical provision when selecting a temporary or independent plan policy could save you money. An important cost factor to consider, maximum out-of-pocket expense, indicates your overall financial risk should a medical emergency strike.
TurboTax Tip:
Young adults can typically remain on a parent's health insurance plan until age 26.
Shop the Health Insurance Marketplace
You can apply for CHIP and Medicaid on the Healthcare.gov website and immediately learn whether you qualify. If you don’t qualify for either program you can purchase private health insurance through the site and see if any tax credits may be available to help pay your monthly premiums. You can get an advance on any tax credit for which you qualify to buy your insurance right away, rather than wait for the Internal Revenue Service to give you a refund at the end of the year.
Through 2018, the Affordable Care Act imposes penalties on taxpayers who do not acquire health insurance privately or through the Marketplace. However, you may request an exemption from the penalty. An exemption granted because your income cannot support health insurance premiums may qualify you to purchase catastrophic health benefits using the Marketplace.
Not sure if you are exempt from the tax penalty or from the requirement to purchase health insurance? See "Are You Exempt From Health Care Coverage?" to help determine whether you might be eligible to waive the tax penalty entirely and apply for a health care exemption.
Beginning in 2019, there is no longer a penalty for not having health insurance.
Leave no stones unturned
In addition to checking out your industry trade association or school alumni organization about benefit plans they offer, you might ask local churches about any free resources in your community such as clinics. Local universities with medical schools that offer dental, eye care and psychiatric services at reduced costs could also be an option.
Some medical schools and university-affiliated hospitals conduct clinical trials that include free medical care for participants. When you're under age 26, you can stay on a parent's plan; if you're approaching age 65, you can enroll in Medicare within three months of your 65th birthday to get free hospitalization coverage. Using TurboTax can give you peace of mind that no deductions for which you qualify related to your healthcare expenses and job search will be missed.
TurboTax is here to help with our Unemployment Benefits Center. Learn more about unemployment benefits, insurance, eligibility and get your tax and financial questions answered.
