Types of health insurance:
What to do if you are uninsured
Don’t have health insurance?
No problem. I’m going to help guide you through some ways to get health insurance.
Why do I need insurance?
Even a person with no health conditions can benefit from health insurance. It can protect you financially in case you have a serious accident or illness, which could require costly health care. Also, paying for all of your health care out of pocket may limit how much care you can receive.
It’s also possible to be underinsured, meaning your health insurance policy doesn’t provide adequate coverage. This could lead to significant debt or even bankruptcy if you have a serious accident or illness.
There are options to help uninsured or underinsured patients receive the health care and medications they need.
How do I find a health insurance plan?
Visit the Health Insurance Marketplace
The Health Insurance Marketplace, also called the “exchange,” was created by the Affordable Care Act. When you visit the site, you’ll fill out some information about yourself. The site is designed to generate a list of health plans that you can choose from, all with different costs, coverage, and benefits.
Or call the contact number for individuals and families at (800) 318-2596.
Call a health insurance
agent or company
You can find one by doing a Web search for things like “health insurance agencies near me” or “top 5 health insurance companies in my state.” When you’re considering health plans, it may help to ask questions like:
- Is my doctor included in this plan?
- Does this plan cover my prescriptions?
- What are the premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and other costs? (Wondering what some of these words mean? Go to “{link-know-terms}.”)
Is my doctor included in this plan?
Does this plan cover my prescriptions?
What are the premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and other costs? (Wondering what some of these words mean? Go to “{link-know-terms}.”)
See if you qualify for Medicaid or Medicare, which are government health programs
You can visit each program’s website to find out how to qualify and apply for coverage. You can also call (877) 267-2323 for more information.
Medicaid
Medicaid provides health coverage to adults and families with low income, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people living with disabilities.
Medicare
Medicare is for people aged 65 years or older. People younger than age 65 with certain disabilities or permanent kidney failure may also qualify for Medicare.
Medicaid
Medicaid provides health coverage to adults and families with low income, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people living with disabilities.
Medicare
Medicare is for people aged 65 years or older. People younger than age 65 with certain disabilities or permanent kidney failure may also qualify for Medicare.
Speak with your employer or your spouse’s employer
The human resources department may be able to provide information on health insurance plans that are available to you.
Additional support
