Many times people are surprised by job loss and don’t have the time to plan their next move. But for some people they know when job loss is coming and have time to plan ahead. It is important for people in this situation to have a strong plan in place for their health insurance coverage before they lose their jobs. Make sure to take these steps before the last day of your health insurance coverage.

Preparing for Insurance Loss

• Know Your Health Insurance End Date: This may seem like an obvious step but many people forget to find out exactly when their employer health coverage will end. Depending on your company and its policies, your insurance could end the last day of your employment, the last day of the health plan billing cycle, or you could have a grace period of 2-8 weeks provided by your employer. Knowing this day is critical so you understand when to start your new plan.
• Negotiate Your Benefits Package: Many people negotiate benefits packages when they are accepting a new job, but you should also try to negotiate when you are losing your job. Many companies have the ability to offer severance or job loss packages that may include health benefits. This could include the company paying your COBRA insurance costs for weeks or months after losing your job. Always ask about the possibilities – there is nothing to lose.
• Know Your COBRA Insurance Options: The first step in determining what insurance plan you will use after job loss is finding out if you qualify for COBRA insurance and how much it will cost. For people who do qualify for either a state or federal COBRA plan, this could be a viable option for health insurance coverage.
• Consider Private Insurance: In addition to finding out if you qualify for COBRA, you should also fully explore your options for private health insurance. Private health insurance plans can usually offer a lower cost option to COBRA and for people who are generally healthy, almost the same coverage. You can get a free quote when you explore plans which can help you price out plans and understand your options.
• Explore a Spouse’s Plan: Find out if you qualify for your spouse’s plan and what kind of coverage it offers. Since employers subsidize so much of health insurance costs, if your spouses has a plan it can offer the most cost effective option. However always make sure to inquire about the open enrollment date and when new participants can be added to the plan. Some companies have very strict policies and spouses can only be added during open enrollment once per month.
• Consider Government Plans: The last thing to explore is if you or any family members can qualify for a government or community plan that is low cost. In most states children are eligible for reduced cost health care. Having children on a state plan can significantly reduce the overall costs for the family. Additionally depending on your health condition and age, you may qualify for other plans in your state.
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