Health insurance has been one of the hottest topics in the American socio-political space in recent times.
Recall the 2012 general elections? The debate on whether Obamacare had been successful or not? Well, at the moment the topic is still hot among Americans. The Covid-19 outbreak has led to common health concerns in individuals. People ask questions like; does my health insurance cover me if I get hospitalized? Do I need a new policy? What do I do if my policy gets lost along with my job?
Health insurance is crucial because a lack of it means it is difficult to get prompt medical care. The risks associated with an absence of health insurance is exemplified by a study which features in American Journal of Public Health. It showed that in 2005, approximately 45,000 deaths were closely linked to the lack of health insurance.
Another study carried out at John Hopkins Hospital revealed health complications occurring more often among people who had no health insurance. It further showed that patients with private health insurance were better off than people who has only Medicaid or Medicare.
The percentage of Americans without health insurance has been halved since 2013. The Affordable Care Act which was introduced in 2010 brought about significant changes which were made to extend health care coverage to those without one, although there are multiple concerns about other aspects of the Act.
Your Health Insurance and Covid-19
A typical health plan should cover the coronavirus illness the same way it will cover pneumonia, flu or a couple of other illnesses. Generally, there should be no exception or limitation for the coverage of Covid-19. However, it is important to note that before your health insurance plan will come in, you are most likely to pay for expenses incurred in the treatment of the coronavirus from your own pocket. Therefore, it is safer to have some money saved up in case you get infected.
If you’re quarantined or hospitalized, your health plan should cover your bills. In addition, if you are in self-quarantine maybe because your case is not as severe as others, and you are given health care at home or outside the hospital by a licensed health professional, this would be covered by your health insurance provider insofar as it is medically necessary care.
But if you are seeking to explore alternative, experimental treatment options, it is advised that you consult with your health insurance provider before doing so. If it does not fit the bill of a standard care, the chances of it being covered are minimal.
Health Insurance and Unemployment: What to do
Have you recently lost your job as a result of Covid-19? Be assured that you’re not alone. In the last couple of weeks, about 22 million Americans have reportedly lost their jobs in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis. It is no surprise because when businesses like hotels, bars, restaurants and myriad others are unable to function due to lockdowns, they would be compelled to let their staff go.
In many cases, losing one’s job could result in the loss of a health insurance policy. But that doesn’t mean it is impossible to obtain another health insurance policy. However, to achieve that there are a couple of things you must do:
Start searching
You owe yourself the responsibility of getting one, hence you need to begin enquiries. Assess coverage options. Be open and think of other alternatives. Stressed out about where to start, call us and have an open discussion. (866.793.2301)
Under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, COBRA for short, employees of organizations who have from 20 workers and above have the option of extending their medical insurance coverage for a maximum of 18 months after being dismissed.
This comes with an extra cost though, as you’ll have to pay for your employer’s percentage of the premium as well as yours. But if you can afford it, it will do you a whole lot of good.
Check with your family
One of the popular features of Obamacare is the provision that allows people who are 26 and below benefit from their parent’s health care plan. So, if you’ve lost your plan, and you fall within this age category, you would still be able to benefit from the health insurance of your parents.
As you might expect, there are some technical aspects to this so it’s best to ensure that you’re fully abreast of all the conditions and requirements necessary for you to be able to take advantage of this rule. Be sure to conduct thorough research and ask a professional if you need to.
Consider Medicaid
A lot of people might think they are not eligible for Medicaid even when they actually are. As a result, they lose out on the many benefits that comes with it. It is important to be sure before hurrying to a conclusion. Visit the federal government’s health website and that of your state. Check to see if you are eligible. You may be pleasantly surprised to find that you can access healthcare under this program, thus making this substantially easier for you.
Explore the Marketplace
If you have recently lost your job-based coverage, you can be eligible for a special enrollment period to buy insurance on the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. Coverage there is subsidized on a sloping scale based on income, and there are varying choices of insurance plans in most markets.
To look at your options, log onto Healthcare.gov. Some states have insurance options listed on their websites, but it is always better to start with the federal site.
There are some states that would want to see evidence that you have just lost your job. You may also need to show that your income is now lesser than it was at the time you last filed your tax return, if it has reduced.
Wrapping It Up
Make sure to keep on the side of the law. Some health insurance policies have unlawful behavior clauses which could hinder you from getting the benefits under the plan should it be discovered that you broke the law in the immediate circumstances leading to your illness. This can also be an issue in the Covid-19 era although there are some states that exclude the applicability of these unlawful behavior clauses.
Your health insurance is not bullet proof. The fact that you have a plan running doesn’t mean that you are immune to the virus. Not in the least. Observe the social distancing guidelines. Wear a mask whenever you go out, to protect not just yourself but others. Wash your hands regularly.
If you’re in need of health insurance or looking for alternative healthcare plans, or supplemental insurance plans to help you through the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak feel free to reach out to our professional agents and see what program or programs might be right for you, that can help you through this time. Call Vivna, Inc. today to learn more here: 866.793.2301