Insurance how to start?

Hello, how do I get Health insurance without a job? I just got laid off 5 months ago and im only part time. I have blue cross but didnt really used it.  But now I want to have insurance but im still unemployed is there any programs out there for temporary unemplyed?

[Amir Mostafaie]

Dear Michelle,

If you got laid off 5 months ago & you were enrolled in your former employer’s group health insurance plan, then you should have received a special letter from your former employer telling you that you can enroll in the company’s COBRA plan for 35% of the normal COBRA premiums. This is because on February 17, 2009, President Obama wrote The COBRA provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the “Act”) into the law. The Act provides for a federal subsidy of 65 percent of the COBRA premiums for qualified beneficiaries receiving COBRA coverage due to the covered employee’s involuntary termination of employment.

Contact your former employer ASAP & ask to be enrolled in COBRA immediately. Keep in mind that a) your coverage will not be retroactive & will start as soon as you start paying your 35% and b) the subsidy will only last for 9 months.

Towards the end of the 9 months come back to this page and go through the link provided on the top left side of the page to get free quotes for health insurance plans offered by the leading carriers in your state & apply for the plan of your choice.  

Sincerely,

Amir Mostafaie