Health Insurance in the Time of COVID-19

The COVID-19 global outbreak is a wake-up call to everyone about the importance of health insurance. However, most people get their health insurance through their companies, and most have already applied to get benefits due to unemployment. 

Some could still be covered under their spouse's coverage or can get subsidized insurance available in their state. 
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Here are a few of the choices accessible if you have lost your health insurance due to unemployment:

Company Shoulders Insurance but You Got Laid Off
Under the federal rule called COBRA, you might be able to keep the same health plan if your establishment had more than 20 workers. Your insurer is responsible for letting you know if you have this option, and you have 60 days to decide.  

Being laid off is a qualifier for insurance exchanges under the Affordable Care Act. You can visit your state-run exchange or healthcare.gov site to elect a new plan. 

Another opportunity is to check if you are eligible to get Medicaid Health Insurance funded by the state and federal government for lower-income people. 

Your Kids Have Lost Health Insurance, Too
The rules are different for the littles ones. You can visit InsureKidsNow.gov to start determining if your children may be eligible to get coverage. 

Short-Term Coverage Options
Also called skinny plans, these were initially meant to be used for just a few months while people transition from school to job. These plans have their limitations, so its best to make sure you read the fine print. 

What is Covered in the Time of Coronavirus
As required by Congress, the cost of testing for COVID-19 should be covered by the insurer. 

Emergency care and the rest of the hospital costs are still considered essentials and need to be covered, although patients will yet be required to pay for copays and coinsurance and meet yearly deductibles.

Surprise bills are for out-of-network doctors and facilities. It would be best to be familiar with what your health insurance covers and the providers that you can choose. 

Some more extensive health insurance providers and some of the nonprofit community health plans have already committed to waiving the cost of treatments for COVID-19.

At Roper Insurance Services, we do our best in making sure that our clients are well-protected with affordable and comprehensive policies. We make sure to go the extra mile to help you with your needs. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (828) 697-6709 or Click Here to request a free quote.