If you’re unemployed you may qualify for Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, or lower costs on Marketplace insurance based on your income.
Your options depend on your household income
Your household size and income, not your employment status, will determine what health coverage options you’re eligible for and how much help you get paying for coverage.
When you apply for Marketplace coverage you will estimate your income for the year.
Learn about how to estimate your income.
Your health coverage options
Based on your income, you may qualify for any of the following:
- Medicaid. Medicaid provides coverage to millions of Americans with limited incomes or disabilities. Each state’s Medicaid rules are different. Many states have expanded Medicaid to cover more people. You can apply for Medicaid in your state now to see if you are eligible. Or you can fill out a Marketplace application to find out if you will qualify in your state.
- Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). CHIP provides coverage for children, and in some states pregnant women, in families with incomes too high for Medicaid but too low to afford private insurance. You can apply for CHIP in your state right now to find out if you’re eligible. Or you can fill out a Marketplace application to find out if you’re eligible.
- Lower costs on Marketplace insurance. You may qualify forlower costs for monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs on private insurance based on your household size and income. Some people with very low incomes may wind up paying very small premiums. You can apply for Marketplace insurance now.
Source: HealthCare.gov, “What are my health coverage options if I’m unemployed? http://www.HealthCare.gov. Accessed November 30, 2015. https://www.healthcare.gov/what-are-my-health-coverage-options-if-im-unemployed/
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