What to Do When You Lose Health Insurance and Need Coverage

It can be stressful to lose your health insurance, but there are options available to help you get the coverage you need. If you’re in this situation, here are a few things you should do:

1. Check if you qualify for Medicaid or CHIP. These government programs provide free or low-cost health insurance to low-income individuals and families. To see if you qualify, visit [Medicaid.gov](https://www.medicaid.gov/) or [CHIP.gov](https://www.chip.gov/).
2. Explore your employer’s health insurance options. If you’re employed, your employer may offer health insurance as a benefit. If so, you should find out if you’re eligible to enroll and how much it will cost.
3. Shop for health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace. The Health Insurance Marketplace is a government website where you can compare and purchase health insurance plans. To shop for plans, visit [HealthCare.gov](https://www.healthcare.gov/).

Types of Health Insurance Plans Available

There are several different types of health insurance plans available, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Here are some of the most common types of plans:

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) are a type of managed care plan that offers comprehensive coverage for a set monthly premium. HMOs typically have a network of doctors and hospitals that you must use, and you may need to get a referral from your primary care doctor before you can see a specialist.
Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) are another type of managed care plan that offers more flexibility than HMOs. PPOs typically have a network of doctors and hospitals that you can use, but you can also see out-of-network providers if you’re willing to pay a higher cost.
Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPOs) are a type of managed care plan that is similar to HMOs, but they typically have a narrower network of doctors and hospitals. EPOs usually have lower premiums than HMOs, but you may have to pay more for out-of-network care.
Point-of-Service (POS) plans are a type of managed care plan that offers a combination of HMO and PPO features. POS plans typically have a network of doctors and hospitals that you must use for most of your care, but you can also see out-of-network providers if you’re willing to pay a higher cost.

How to Choose the Right Health Insurance Plan

When choosing a health insurance plan, there are several factors you should consider, including:

Your budget. How much can you afford to pay for health insurance each month?
Your health needs. What kind of coverage do you need? Do you have any pre-existing conditions?
Your lifestyle. Do you prefer to see a variety of doctors or do you want to stick with a smaller network?

Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start shopping for a plan. You can compare plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace or through a licensed insurance agent.