What to Do If You Lose Your Health Insurance Through Your Job

Job Health Insurance Las Vegas NV

Find out your options for gaining health care coverage if your job is no longer an option.

Whether your job is no longer offering health insurance or if you get laid off, you’ll face having to find coverage on your own. As health insurance is essential to maintain your physical and mental health, you shouldn’t suffer a lapse in protection.

If you are terminated from a position, you’ll also be subject to the worries of finding another job, making money without a job, and how you’ll pay the bills in the meantime. For now, it’s important to deal with your health insurance issues so that you aren’t strained for money if you fall ill or injured.

If you lose your job-based health insurance, you have two main options:

Option 1: Get coverage through Health Insurance Marketplace

If you leave your job for any reason and lose your job-based coverage, you may choose to buy a Marketplace plan. Losing job-based coverage is a qualifying life event that allows you to enroll in a plan within a Special Enrollment Period, meaning that you can buy insurance outside of the annual Open Enrollment Period.

Your coverage can take effect as soon as the first day of the month after you lose your insurance.

  • If you apply through the Marketplace, you’ll discover if you qualify for savings on your monthly premium and out-of-pocket health care based on your income.
  • Also, you will learn if you are eligible for free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Option 2: Buy COBRA continuation coverage

You may be able to keep your job-based health plan through COBRA continuation coverage. COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) is a federal law that may let you pay to stay on your previous employee health plan for a limited time once your job ends. This period is typically 18 months.

Even if your insurance was cut off when you were fired, the employer must notify the plan administrator within 30 days that you have been terminated, and then the administrator has another 14 days to send you the notice on how to elect COBRA coverage.

For all of your health insurance needs in Las Vegas, Nevada, contact the experts, All Nevada Insurance, to get started on your plan to suit your needs, budget, and health.

FAQs (And Answers!) About Health Insurance

Health Insurance FAQs

Got questions about health insurance? We have the answers!

The Medicare Open Enrollment period is fast approaching us, and around this time every year, questions about health coverage flood. While many think that acquiring healthcare can be lengthy and downright confusing, we aim to take the stress out of the process for you. This way, you can have the peace of mind that you’re protected, as well as obtaining the right coverage for your needs.

What is health insurance?
Health insurance is a contract with an insurance company, which agrees to pay some or all of your medical bills based on your coverage. Most Americans have private health insurance, while others are covered under the public programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid.

Why do I need health insurance?
It’s no secret that health care is expensive today. However, so is treatment. A broken leg can run to $7,500 while a three-day hospital stay can set you back $30,000. Without insurance, one health setback could end up costing you more than you can afford. Regularly paying a set premium for health coverage assures that money will be available to help with the medical expenses.

How do I apply for Medicaid or CHIP?
You can apply in 2 ways: 1) fill out a Marketplace application. 2) apply directly to your state agency.

How do I renew or change my Marketplace coverage for 2016?
If you had a Marketplace insurance plan in 2016, you should’ve received two letters by email or mail (one from your insurance company, one from the Health Insurance Market). These notices should tell you if your plan is available for 2017, if it’s changing, and how much it will cost. If you don’t respond, you’ll automatically be re-enrolled in your 2016 plan for 2017.

Will I pay a penalty if I don’t have health coverage?
Typically, you’ll pay a penalty fee if you don’t have coverage for all or part of the year. For 2016, the fee is $695 per person or 2.5% of your household income, whichever is higher.

For quality health insurance in Las Vegas, Nevada, visit All Nevada Insurance as we provide each individual with the correct policy to suit their needs and budget. Contact us today to get started!

Should I Choose An Independent Insurance Agent?

Determining The Best Person To Meet Your Needs

Whether you are just trying to get the legally required amount of auto insurance or are looking for homeowners insurance to cover every facet of your home, determining the right insurance policy can be a bit confusing. You do not want to be left with a gap in coverage, but you also do not want to pay for coverage you do not need. Fortunately, an insurance expert can help you find the right level of coverage for the right price. Here are a few ways an independent insurance agent can serve you.

  • More Options: When you go straight to a major insurance provider to get coverage, you only see the policies they offer. When you shop comparison sites online, however, you get less information about the offered policies. An independent agent can see every policy available from every provider, and will show you those that will meet your specific needs.
  • Better Prices: Similarly, because an independent agent can see all the available policies, he or she is able to shop quotes and show you which policies will maximize your savings. Also, because the agent has industry experience he or she will be able to point out every discount available to you.
  • An Ally: Your independent agent is there to help you understand your coverage and tackle any issues as they arise. Do not be left confused when filing a claim or paying for something you thought your insurance would cover. An independent insurance agent will serve as your advocate and ally.

To work with a dedicated team of independent insurance agents, contact the insurance professionals at All Nevada Insurance in Las Vegas, Nevada. We are committed to getting you the best policy at the best price. Do not be left navigating the world of insurance coverage blindly; call us today for the expert guidance you deserve!

Flu Shots Are Great Preventive Care

No one likes to get sick. Getting the flu can mean a week or more away from work in addition to feeling tired, achy and just plain lousy. Having a flu shot before flu season is one of the best short term preventive care decisions you can make.

It takes about two weeks from the time you have a flu shot until your body builds up an immunity against the disease. A shot helps to protect you for around three months and it is advisable to only have one flu shot a year. Flu shots are effective between 70-90% of the time for healthy adults. The vaccine is not as effective for young children and the elderly.

Flu shots are sometimes covered under health insurance. To learn more about how getting the right healthcare coverage can keep you healthy throughout the year, please contact All Nevada Insurance, located in Las Vegas.