Going through a divorce can be one of the most stressful and emotional experiences in someone’s life. Not only are you losing your partner and the dreams you shared, but also your sense of normalcy and routine. The future might suddenly seem very uncertain, and that includes uncertainty about the status of your health insurance. If you were on your spouse’s insurance plan, your children will still be covered, but you will not be once your divorce is finalized. Don’t worry, though, there are options available to you. Just make sure to look for a new plan within 60 days of losing your coverage.
COBRA
A temporary, but expensive, option for coverage after your divorce is applying for COBRA through your spouse’s employer. The COBRA law allows you to stay on your ex’s plan for up to 36 months after your divorce. The downside is that employers do not contribute to the cost of COBRA premiums, so you will have to pay the full amount. This might be quite expensive for you, but it could be a useful stopgap until you find a private insurance or Marketplace plan.
Employer Coverage
If you are working and your company offers health insurance, contact your HR department to find out if you can get on your employer’s insurance plan. Because you lost coverage due to your divorce, you can enroll into a new plan without having to wait until the open enrollment period. Companies with 50 or more full-time employees may be required to provide health coverage to all full-time employees, so if you work for a large company, consider looking into their plan.
Individual Insurance
You can purchase your own individual health insurance plan for you or your family. You can purchase these plans over the phone or online with an EZ.Insure agent. Getting your own insurance plan will cost less than going with your ex’s COBRA plan, and it might offer more coverage. An EZ agent can sit down and go through all of the options with you, and compare them to the price and coverage you would receive through COBRA. Working with an agent also gives you the ability to ask about any discounts or lower rate options available in your area that you might not be able to access on your own. There are a variety of plans available, so there is no doubt EZ will be able to find you a plan that meets your needs and budget.
Marketplace Insurance Plan
Normally, if you want to enroll in an ACA Marketplace plan, you have to wait until the Open Enrollment Period from November 1 – December 15. But getting divorced qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period, which means you have 60 days after losing coverage to sign up for a new plan. If you fail to sign up for a new plan within 60 days, you will have to wait until the regular Open Enrollment Period to sign up. You can shop your state’s exchange for an ACA-approved “metal tier” plan, and possibly find a discounted rate based on your income and location. If you are considered low-income, then you might qualify for some subsidies to help you save money.
Divorce is a devastating thing to go through, and losing your health insurance will only make things more stressful. EZ.Insure can make the process of getting covered less daunting, so that you have one less thing to worry about. Our agents are highly trained and can search for and compare insurance quotes within minutes at no cost to you. Our services are always free and there is never any obligation. Allow us to help you manage your health insurance needs during this difficult time – we promise to find you the best plan for your needs. To get free quotes online, enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to an agent, call 888-350-1890.