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I lost my health insurance when I got laid off during the pandemic. How can I get coverage?

You have health insurance options to get covered — but you should move quickly. Here’s what you need to know.

THANK YOU! HEALTHCARE WORKERS signs along Civic Center Blvd. in the University City section of Philadelphia on April 18, 2020.
THANK YOU! HEALTHCARE WORKERS signs along Civic Center Blvd. in the University City section of Philadelphia on April 18, 2020.Read more / File Photograph

If you got laid off when the coronavirus pandemic hit and lost your employer-sponsored health insurance, you have options to get covered — but you should act fast.

Here’s what you need to know.

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What are my options to get health insurance?

You might qualify for medical assistance, which is based on income and family size. For a family of three, the limit is roughly $2,500 a month in income. The $600 extra per week in pandemic unemployment compensation does not count. You can apply online, and there’s no deadline.

If you don’t qualify for medical assistance and you got laid off in March, you’ll have to act fast. The deadline to get health insurance on the federal government’s insurance marketplace is 60 days from the day you lost your health coverage. That date will likely be around May 16 if you got laid off when Philadelphia went into lockdown on March 16. If you miss that deadline, you’ll have to wait until November.

Go to healthcare.gov to compare plans.

» ASK US: Do you have a question about the coronavirus and how it affects your health, work and life? Ask our reporters

How much will it cost?

Medical assistance is free. It’s hard to pinpoint a cost for insurance through the marketplace, because it varies based on factors such as age, family size, and income. But you may be eligible for a tax credit that would lower the cost.

What about COBRA? I saw that on my layoff notice.

COBRA is likely the worst option in terms of cost. You will have to pay the entire cost of your previous health insurance, including what your employer paid.

I already have insurance through the marketplace or CHIP but got laid off in March. Should I do anything?

Yes. Update your income online or by phone because you might qualify for additional assistance, said Shana Jalbert, spokesperson for Pennsylvania Health Access Network, a nonprofit that advocates for affordable healthcare. Also, if you have medical assistance or CHIP, your coverage cannot be terminated during the pandemic.

Is there anyone I can talk to for help?

You can reach out to:

  1. Pennsylvania Health Access Network (877-570-3642) or at helpline@pahealthaccess.org.

  2. Public Citizens for Children and Youth (215-563-5848, Ext. 17), which is also helping adults during the coronavirus.

  3. BenePhilly if you live in Philladelphia (833-373-5868).

You can also get more details on Pennsylvania Health Access Network’s website and Community Legal Services’ website.

The Philadelphia Inquirer is one of more than 20 news organizations producing Broke in Philly, a collaborative reporting project on solutions to poverty and the city’s push toward economic justice. See all of our reporting at brokeinphilly.org.