When you do not have health insurance through an employer, you can find private or public health insurance coverage. Private health insurance, also called individual health insurance, is available through insurers such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna or regional plans in your area. The federal and state governments fund public health insurance programs. These programs include Medicare, Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Plan and the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan, among other programs.
Instructions
1. Examine the websites of several health insurers to view health insurance plan options. You can also visit a website, such as ehealthinsurance.com, that allows you to view options from several insurance companies at once. You can apply online or call to apply. The insurance company will give you a quote if approved or inform you of its decision not to offer you coverage.
2. Read the eligibility guidelines for the public health plans available in your state and nationally. You can find these guidelines on your state's department of insurance or health and human services websites, heathcare.gov and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services websites.
3. Apply for the public health plans you may qualify for. If you are unemployed and have no or low income, you should apply for your state's Medicaid program. If you have pre-existing conditions that prevent you from obtaining private insurance, apply for the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan. Visit healthcare.gov to find links to apply for these public programs.
4. Compare the premiums, plan options, provider network, benefits covered and deductibles, co-pays and maximums of each of the private and public health plans available to you. Make a list or print out each so you can complete a side-by-side comparison.
5. Talk to an insurance agent or a consumer representative from your state's insurance office. Both will be able to explain your options and guide you to the best decision for your health insurance coverage. You can find an agent and consumer toll-free number on your state's department of insurance website.
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