Though the IRS penalty for being uninsured is long gone, the need for health insurance in a time like we are currently in is even more important. If you are trying to get health insurance while unemployed there are several avenues open to you to obtain health coverage for yourself and for your family too!

COBRA Coverage From Your Former Employer
If you have lost or left a job and your employer meets certain criteria, your former employer must offer you the right to continue coverage under what is called COBRA. It can be attractive if you are pregnant or currently undergoing treatment and wish to continue with the insurance plan that you were under. It is expensive unless the employer continues to pay their portion of the premium. They are not obligated to do so and since they must pay at least 50% of the premium, the plan that seemed affordable can get expensive very quickly. This health insurance for unemployed people may be the least attractive financially.

Medicaid Health Coverage Is Available If You Qualify
In a program run jointly by the federal and state government unemployed people who meet the criteria for their state may qualify for Medicaid. This plan is free and provides medical care from physicians, urgent care facilities and hospitals as well as prescription medications. Each state operates the program with the federal government oversight so that the programs are the same though eligibility and availability are determined by each state. For many this program for health insurance while unemployed is a lifesaver.

CHIP (Child Health Insurance Program)
If you find that you do not qualify for Medicaid your children may still be able to qualify for the child only health insurance. This is another program run jointly by the federal and state government. It covers pregnant mothers and children up to age 19. In addition to providing physicians visits, well baby care, vaccines and hospitalization there are vision and dental benefits as well. Though not required to do so some states provide a prescription drug plan as part of the CHIP benefit.

ACA Marketplace Plans Available With Subsidies
The final option for unemployed health insurance is through the Affordable Care Act and the ACA Marketplace. If one does not qualify for any of the programs that are financially determined there may be a less expensive option available than COBRA through the ACA Marketplace. Individual and family plans are available and subsidies are available to help pay for the cost. All ACA plans are offered by private insurers but must meet federal guidelines that include prescription coverage. They may not decline a person for a pre-existing condition and offer coverage in varying levels based on deductibles, copays and out of pocket expenses.

How Do I Qualify? What Are The Criteria?
The federal government operates several websites that can be helpful in obtaining the information about the qualifying criteria in your state of residence. Healthcare.gov is an omnibus site that will allow you to access information about all the programs except the COBRA information. https://www.consumercoverage.com is a personal insurance mega site that offers free comparative quotes on many forms of insurance. ACA Marketplace plans and information can be accessed on this site. In addition, seniors can get quotes on Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans as well as Part D prescription coverage.