An individual can sign up for a plan through their State’s health insurance exchange or the federal government’s HealthCare.gov website.
It is usually more expensive than getting it through an employer - but works to serve small business owners, freelancers, etc.
A few States (like Massachusetts) have semi-universal systems that cover all individuals that earn under 150% of poverty, independent students, newly unemployed, etc.
A lot of Americans are also covered under Medicare, Medicaid , Social Security and other programs.
Retirees aged 65 and older are eligible for Medicare - a semi-universal federal system that covers pretty much everything and accepted most places.
I’ve run my own business in the US for 16 years. Until recently I pay about $2000/mo for a family of 4. (Wife and I are in our early 40’s, kids are under 10). Recently my wife got new employment and it means we can insure the family with similar (slightly better coverage, (great coverage)) for less than half this amount.
Yes, however it’s usually a little more expensive to get the same coverage, as the employer pays a part of employee’s insurance costs.
Forfeit? No, they’ll still need insurance (you get a fine if you’re without insurance for more than 3 out of 12 months (at least, I think that was the case)).
Only some states offer free healthcare for people under certain income thresholds without other qualifications such as being disabled or pregnant. There has been progress with states finally accepting the Medicaid expansion, and there are often “low-income healthcare options” available, but A LOT of people are unfortunately still unable to get coverage because they’re too poor.
All states offer Medicaid below the income threshold. Those that have not accepted the expansion payments from the federal government have a much lower income cutoff than those that have accepted it.
Yes, however it’s usually a little more expensive to get the same coverage, as the employer pays a part of employee’s insurance costs.
Forfeit? No, they’ll still need insurance (you get a fine if you’re without insurance for more than 3 out of 12 months (at least, I think that was the case)).
This is the first time I’ve heard about being fined for not having insurance.
Tv etc has led me to believe if you don’t have insurance you just hope and pray you don’t need to go to a&e. What about homeless people, for example? Is there something in place that issues fines to all the people who don’t have insurance at all? I’m so confused.
My partner and I pay $200 for the ~$1800/mo healthcare plan through their employer. There was a fully-covered option but the deductibles are so low on this plan it’s incredible.
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