Need Health Insurance ASAP? Here’s How to Get Covered Immediately

Need Health Insurance ASAP? Here’s How to Get Covered Immediately

If you’ve found yourself without health insurance, you may feel panicked. Whether you lost your job or recently turned 26 and aged off your parent’s plan, it’s important to know that you have options.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to get covered immediately, so you don’t have to go without health insurance.

What Are Your Options?

When it comes to getting health insurance quickly, you have a few options.

First, you can enroll in a Marketplace plan through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Depending on the time of year, the enrollment period may be open or closed. However, if you’ve experienced a qualifying life event – like losing your job or turning 26 – you may be able to enroll outside of the normal enrollment period.

Another option is to look into short-term health insurance. These plans are designed to provide temporary coverage, typically ranging from a few months to a year. They can be a good option if you need coverage immediately but don’t want to commit to a long-term plan.

Finally, you can check if you qualify for Medicaid. While Medicaid has income limits, it provides coverage to millions of Americans who otherwise wouldn’t have insurance. Eligibility varies by state, so check with your local Medicaid office to see if you qualify.

How to Enroll in a Marketplace Plan

If you decide to enroll in a Marketplace plan, the first step is to visit healthcare.gov. Here, you’ll be able to browse available plans and see if you qualify for financial assistance. You’ll need to provide basic information about yourself, including your income and household size.

Once you’ve selected a plan, you’ll need to pay your premium to activate your coverage. Your coverage will begin on the first day of the month after you enroll, so it’s important to enroll as soon as possible to ensure you’re covered.

Consider Short-Term Health Insurance

If you need coverage immediately but don’t want to commit to a long-term plan, short-term health insurance may be the best option for you.

These plans typically offer coverage for a few months to a year and are designed to provide temporary coverage. While they may not offer the same level of coverage as a traditional Marketplace plan, they can be a good option if you need coverage quickly.

It’s important to note that short-term health insurance does not meet the requirements of the ACA, so you may be subject to a tax penalty for not having qualifying coverage. However, with the repeal of the individual mandate penalty, this is no longer a concern.

Check if You Qualify for Medicaid

Finally, if you’re low-income or disabled, you may qualify for Medicaid. This program provides free or low-cost health insurance to millions of Americans who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford it.

To find out if you’re eligible, visit your local Medicaid office or healthcare.gov. Eligibility varies by state, so it’s important to check with your local office to see if you qualify.

Conclusion

If you need health insurance immediately, you have options. From enrolling in a Marketplace plan to checking if you qualify for Medicaid, there are ways to get coverage quickly.

Remember, it’s important to have health insurance to protect yourself and your finances. So don’t wait – explore your options and enroll in a plan today.