What are the options for health insurance for those who have lost their jobs

Tens of millions of Americans have joined the unemployment rolls in recent months as the COVID-19 pandemic triggered an unprecedented contraction of the nation's economy—meaning many workers have likely lost their health insurance as well. About this and more Fox Business.

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Over 50% of Americans get health insurance through their employer. Since mid-March, about 47 million Americans have applied for unemployment benefits. A recent analysis showed that in just the last two weeks of March, 3,5 million workers lost their insurance.

If you are among the laid-off employees, be sure to check the current insurance payments, as insurance coverage can last until the end of the month.

There are other options for workers who have lost coverage.

If you are not eligible for Medicaid, you may be eligible for a plan on the Affordable Care Act Marketplace. Individuals whose expected income in 2020 fell between 100 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level (for individuals, that is, from $ 12 to $ 490), can apply for benefits for their insurance premiums.

On the subject: How to get benefits and medical insurance if you are left without work during a pandemic

If you are eligible for coverage based on your spouse’s work, you may not be able to get lower plan costs based on your income. When applying for health insurance through a marketplace, you will need to indicate expected unemployment compensation as income.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average cost of an ACA plan is $ 331 per month for the lowest level.

Under current law, people who lose their jobs and employer insurance are entitled to a special registration period through ObamaCare, but must provide evidence that they have lost their insurance coverage. As a rule, they must apply within 60 days after losing their job.

Twelve states—California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington—and the District of Columbia have established special enrollment periods to allow people to get coverage.

Another option for those who can afford it is COBRA or the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. This, as a rule, allows employees in companies of 20 or more employees to expand their coverage for up to 18 months after losing their jobs.

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