Health Needs

You Need a Doctor and You Don’t Have Insurance

When you lose your job, your health insurance typically goes with it. Therefore, it is really important that you try to stay healthy during this challenging period of unemployment – don’t forget to get enough sleep, eat well and exercise regularly.

In some cases, access to medical care is necessary so don’t avoid seeking medical assistance. If you are in a situation where you don’t have health insurance and you need medical care or medications - there are other affordable options (based on your income) that you can explore.

Locate Affordable Health Services and Prescription Programs

Across the country, there are health clinics and services available to people with low incomes. Locate these services in your community by clicking here.

Affordable Health Insurance Plans

If you are not eligible for COBRA (e.g., your company did not fit the staff size requirements), found it to be too expensive or do not qualify for benefits such as Medicaid, there are affordable health insurance plans that you can explore to cover your health needs. There are different types of health insurance available– some are individual plans, family plans or student plans. Click here to learn more.   It is important to educate yourself before you consider purchasing a plan.

COBRA Health Coverage

COBRA provides continuation of group health coverage. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, if you have been laid off between September 1, 2008 and March 31. 2010, you are likely eligible to receive a federal subsidy that will pay 65% of your COBRA premiums for nine months. The premium reduction applies to periods of health coverage that began on or after February 17, 2009 and lasts for up to 15 months. Termination must be involuntary and there are some income restrictions. Employers must also have a specific number of staff enrolled in a group health plan to offer COBRA benefits. If eligible, your former employer should have given you detailed information on how to apply for COBRA benefits. If you think you might be eligible and did not receive any information, please consult your former employer. Click here to learn more.

Foster Care Alumni of America would like to thank the Freddie Mac Foundation for their generous support in making these resources available. To learn more about Freddie Mac, visit the Freddie Mac Foundation website.

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