Losing your job can be a stressful life event for several reasons, including a sudden lack ofhealth insurance.
If youre like49% of Americans, you get your health care coverage through your employer.
Heres how to get health care coverage if you lost your job and your medical insurance benefits.
When Insurance Falls Short…
Unfortunately, insurance doesnt covereverything.These resourcescan help you manage those unexpected expenses.
Employer-Extended Coverage
This option depends entirely on your employers severance package.
That could include an extension of health care coverage for a period of time.
These extensions typically are short-term solutions.
And youve probably heard its pricey.
Employers with 20 or more employees are typically required to offer this option.
Need Some Quick Cash?
If youre looking to boost your income this month, weve got just the thing for you.
Health Insurance Marketplace
Health insurance for unemployed people is most often obtained through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
The open enrollment period is Nov. 1 to Jan. 15, 2025.
But its unlikely youll pay the sticker price.
Neither of these have the enrollment period restrictions like Marketplace plans.
Thats not advisable, given the cost of medical bills today.
Just a visit to theemergency room could cost you $2,600without coverage.
In the worst-case scenario, youll have to take on debt to get medical treatment.
Were averse to telling people to go into debt unnecessarily, but your health and well-being are an exception.
That means that unless your medical debt becomes delinquent, it wont affect your credit score.
It will allow you to focus on getting better without the added financial stress.
Need a Hand With Bills?
Listen, we know its tough out there.
But theres no shame in asking for help.
These companiesmake it easy to help yourself and your bank account.
Tiffany Wendeln Connors is a former staff writer/editor at The Penny Hoarder.
