Looking for health insurance when you are a young, single parent can be quite tough especially if you are looking for a plan that is affordable but also provides adequate coverage for both you and your kids. These are some options you can explore.
Medicaid
This government program was designed to help low-income families. The plans under Medicaid are funded by both the state you live in and the federal government. Each state has different regulations and requirements when it comes to being eligible for Medicaid. Usually, factors such as family size and income are taken into consideration along with other variables. Recently, as many as 37 states have adopted Medicare expansion which means that Americans can apply for Medicaid even if their income is below the eligibility requirement. Under an expanded Medicaid plan, a family of three with an income lower than 27,000$ can apply for Medicaid. Medicaid is by far the sturdiest option for single parents.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
If your income is slightly above what is eligible for Medicaid but not high enough to afford plans on the ACA marketplace, consider the CHIP program which offers free or reduced-cost health services. Depending on the plan, you can get coverage for doctor’s visits, immunizations, routine check-ups, emergency services, prescriptions, dental/vision care, laboratory/x-rays, inpatient/outpatient hospital services.
Employers Insurance
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, employer-sponsored health insurance plans cannot exceed 9.5 percent of your households’ annual income. Applying for health insurance through your employer is a good option if you see yourself working there for a while. It will also save you the headache and time it takes to research plans on the marketplace.
Short-Term Health Insurance
If you’re between jobs and broke but don’t qualify for either CHIP or Medicaid, consider getting short term health insurance. This provides coverage for you and your children until you can afford a new long-term health insurance plan during the enrolment season. The plans are relatively inexpensive and cover basic health care costs.
Staying On Your Parents’ Health Insurance Plan
You can stay on your parents’ health insurance plan until you are 26 years old. You don’t have to live with them to be eligible for this provision and any dependents of yours also get coverage.