If you’ve recently lost your job, you may have also lost your health insurance. Fortunately, there are resources available to help you get through a rough time. Here are the steps you can take to make sure you and your family stay covered after a layoff:
- File for unemployment. Learn if you’re eligible and how to apply for your state’s unemployment program from the U.S. Department of Labor.
- Apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This program offers funds to buy healthy food at most grocery stores. You can learn more about eligibility and find your state’s agency from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service.
- Secure your health care. You have a few options based on your situation.
- Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): These programs provide free or low-cost plans for low-income people, families and children, women who are pregnant, and those with disabilities. If you qualify, you can get coverage for doctor visits, medicines and immunizations (shots). You can learn more about these programs, visit an eligibility calculator, and find resources for your state on this page.
- Your state’s health exchange: The Health Insurance Marketplace was set up by the Affordable Care Act. You may be able to sign up during a special enrollment period because of a major life change – having a baby, getting married or losing a health plan through your job are considered life changes. Some states have set up a special enrollment period for those who were laid off due to COVID-19. You can visit healthcare.gov to see what’s available in your state.
- The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act: This program lets you pay to keep your employer’s health plan. The U.S. Department of Labor has more information on this program and benefits.