What To Do If You Can’t Afford Health Insurance?

  1. 22 POINTS
    Dan Beukelman
    CSR, American Family Insurance,
    There are several options for you if you can't afford health insurance.  First, many people qualify for subsidized premium payments through the healthcare exchanges.  I have seen people purchase health insurance that was free, and many that paid between $20 and $60 per month for compliant health plans.  The real premium may be much higher but the Federal government helps you pay the premium if you make between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level.  If you make less than 100% of the federal poverty level you should qualify for Medicaid if you are in a state that allowed for Medicaid expansion.  About 22 states have done that, so your chance is about 50/50 that you would be able to get free coverage through Medicaid if you make less than 100% of the federal poverty level.  You can also claim that purchasing health insurance is a financial hardship.  This is more of an accounting issue than an insurance issues so consult an accountant but I believe the burden of proof (this year) is fairly easy you simply fill out a form stating that you couldn't afford it.  Worst case you pay the penalty when you do your taxes which is $95.00 or 1% of your income whichever is more, so the penalty is not a huge deal, but as you can see there are several inexpensive ways to get coverage and not pay a lot.  Email me directly and I can help get you pointed in the right direction.  My email is dbeukel1@amfam.com
    Answered on May 28, 2014
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  2. 21750 POINTS
    Jim Winkler
    CEO/Owner, Winkler Financial Group, Houston, Texas
    That is a great question! I'd recommend that you go to the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) site www.healthcare.gov and look there first. It is very likely that you will qualify for discounted coverage. I do a lot of work with folks who struggle to make ends meet, and so far, everyone of them has found a policy there that they could afford, that was really a blessing. If you need help, please feel free to contact me, okay? Thanks for asking!
    Answered on May 28, 2014
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