Options for the medically uninsured

10 options if your employer doesn’t offer health insurance

Are you uninsured? Millions of Americans don’t have health insurance – either because they lost their jobs or their employer doesn’t provide health insurance benefits.

If you’re wondering what to do when your employer doesn’t offer health insurance, read about your options below.

Option #1. Buy an individual health insurance policy

Option #2. Negotiate a discount on your healthcare

Option #3. Get help with medication costs

Option #4. Get SCHIP for your children

Option #5. Ask if you qualify for a state high-risk pool

Option #6. Find out if you’re eligible for Medicaid

Option #7. Check if your disability qualifies you for Medicare

Option #8. Go to a local community health clinic

Option #9. See if you qualify for veteran assistance

Option #10. Get free screenings at a health fair

Between jobs?

Maybe you’re between jobs? If it’s been less than 60 days since you were fired or laid off, you may be able to get extended healthcare coverage from COBRA if you were on your employer’s health insurance, involuntarily lost your job, and the company still offers health insurance to other employees. See the Stay Smart Stay Healthy easy-to-understand COBRA healthcare video.

Watch the Healthcare Video: What Do You Do If Your Employer Doesn’t Offer Health Insurance?