Over 40 million people are without health care insurance in America, with a majority being those who are unemployed. Those who are unemployed and not covered by heath insurance usually have very few options. Federal laws providing health care coverage for the unemployed are being discussed, but no legislation has been passed to date.

INSURING FAMILIES

Already passed by Congress, a 1997 statute calls for states to provide children with health care insurance. The plan is designed for parents who make too much money to qualify for Medicaid, but too little money to afford private health insurance. Since it is controlled by the state government, the plan varies from to state; but each state will have a version. The federal website for directing you to an individual state’s site is http://www.insurekidsnow.gov/.
You may also investigate your individual state’s policy by calling a national toll – free hotline, 877 – KIDS – NOW.

The following is an examination of Georgia’s policy.

• A child between the ages of 6 to 18 can be insured for $7.50 a month.
• Two or more children between the ages of 6 to 18 can be insured for $15.00 a month.
• To qualify, a family of three can earn up to $35,000 a year.
• A family of four can earn up to $42,000 a year.
• A typical program covers doctor visits, prescription medicine, hospitalizations, and more.

New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin have expanded the program so that a parent of a child who is eligible may also qualify.

A second website discussing the insuring of families can be found by going to a search engine (http://www.google.com/ or http://www.yahoo.com/ ) and using the key terms “your state CHIP.”

COBRA

If you were employed by a company with more than 20 employees before becoming unemployed, you will be eligible for COBRA insurance. This insurance is available for 18 months. It is expensive. The premium for a family of four can range anywhere from $700 to $1200 a month. The actual cost is equal to what the company is paying the insurance carrier. Companies typically subsidize health insurance for their active employees, but COBRA participants pay the entire cost plus a small administrative fee.

LOCAL INSURANCE OPTIONS

Certain local areas have developed programs to assist the unemployed through grant money. To find a website, use a search engine and use the terms “your county state adult health insurance for the unemployed.”

MEDICAID

Each state dictates eligibility standards and rate of payment for the services of Medicaid.
The website www.acf.hhs.gov/programs.html will lead you to an official Medicaid Consumer Information list. The website does not provide specific information. To determine eligibility and services, find the local phone number listed on the website and call.

TREATMENT

If you have a particular concern, visit a health care website of your area or call to discover treatments available.
Local areas have care centers for pregnant women.
Local centers are also concerned with communicable diseases such as Sexually Transmitted Diseases, HIV, and TB. Treatment will be available.

To find this website, go to a search engine (http://www.google.com/ or http://www.yahoo.com/ ) and use the terms – “your county state public health center.”

NOTE – IF A WEBSITE DOES NOT OFFER SPECIFIC INFORMATION, GET THE PHONE NUMBER AND CALL.

• States vary in their offerings to the unemployed. Search your state’s website for information concerning health care to see if you have options. The website http://www.doleta.gov/ will lead you to your State Department of Labor website, which will offer information.
• For health problems, try the local public health centers to see if they offer treatments.
• Insure children and expecting mothers through Insure Kids Now.
• Some hospitals have a “Charity Care Policy” that requires treatment regardless of the ability to pay. Call local hospitals and discover if these options exist.

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