If you’re between the age of 19 and 29, chances are you have found yourself uninsured while transitioning from college to the real world, according to the Commonwealth Fund. Insurance companies are quick to drop college graduates from their family plans as soon as you get your diploma in hand. Yet, many of these adults have still not been able to get health insurance because of either unemployment or other economic factors.
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While I’ve been lucky enough to stay on my family’s insurance for another year, soon I will be just another uninsured freelancer. There’s always the option of hoping that I don’t get run over by a cab in Times Square, but I’ll be playing it straight and checking out some of the other options out there for people like myself.
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First off, think about any organizations you or your family may belong to. If you went greek in college, chances are your organization offers a health insurance plan for its alumni. Recently unemployed? Check in with your last employer on your rights to continuing with their group health plan. If you’re still empty-handed, look into COBRA, which is a federal law that gives workers the right to continue on their plans even after being laid off — although COBRA tends to be sometimes pricey, since you’re paying the entire premium instead of having a portion eaten by your employer. NY residents are also eligible to obtain insurance under the Health Care Reform Act of 2000, also known as Healthy NY. The plan is offered for small businesses or individuals who are uninsured, and there is a program on their website that lets you know if you are eligible.
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If you’re a cool freelancer, then check out the Freelancer’s Union which offers an inexpensive group plan for its members. Getting a membership is free and their site is very user-friendly. The FU offers health, dental, disability, and life insurance, plus they recently added on a retirement plan (read about it here) that is worth checking out, once you’re there.
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If your only issue is obtaining medication, contact the manufacturer of that drug and see what their options are for someone who is uninsured. Most medications have a generic equivalent, and by checking with your doctor, you can save money on prescriptions that you need.
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Be sure to explore these routes before doing a Google search for “health insurance.” Buying a plan without researching could mean months before receiving any coverage, if at all, not to mention paying grossly hijacked premiums.
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