WHAT TO DO IF YOU LOSE YOUR INSURANCE

DO THIS FIRST

The first thing to do is to find out if you are eligible through any other group health plan through a spouse's or partner’s group health benefits, a professional organization, or any association to which you belong.  Staying with a group plan almost always means a cheaper premium, in addition to better benefits.  It also offers you certain protections such as not being excluded for pre-existing conditions.

If you lost your job and your health insurance, check with your former employer as you may be eligible to continue coverage through COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Act of 1985). 

If your employer that supplied the health plan had 20 or more employees, you have an option to remain in the health plan by electing COBRA, and paying the full premium for 18 months.

MEANWHILE, CONSIDER THESE POINTS

If family coverage is lost and before you elect COBRA for the whole family, check with your county’s Department of Family and Children Services (DFACS), to see if your children might be eligible, under your new financial circumstances, through assistance with health coverage for Georgia Medicaid or Peachcare for Kids.

Georgia Medicaid and Peachcare for Kids are programs managed by the state but also have federal funding.  Call your county’s Department of Family and Children Services (DFACS) to inquire about applying for these programs that were designed to assist lower income level families.  You can apply on line for Peachcare for Kids at www.peachcare.org. 

If you have lost your coverage and are 65 years old or approaching this age, immediately contact your local Social Security Office and submit your application to Medicare.  Medicare provides medical coverage for most people 65 years or older and for those that are disabled.

While you are looking for a job with health insurance to replace what you have lost, keep in mind that some companies offer health insurance for their part time employees.

REVIEW ANY SOURCE OF HEALTH INSURANCE

If you lose your employment and health insurance and have served at least 180 days of active service you may be eligible for Veterans Benefits through the Veterans Administration. Find additional information at http://www1.va.gov/health/.

Another source of overlooked insurance for children is through a parent without custody or a stepparent in a blended family.

LOOK FOR PRIVATE OR INDIVIDUAL HEALTH INSURANCE

Individual health insurance policies are hard to qualify for and afford.  If you qualify, you will be able to select the plan that best serves the needs of your family.  You can search on line for plans or you could contact an insurance agent for a broader array of the insurance products that are available to you.

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