Health Insurance After Job Loss

Plans on the HealthCare.gov Marketplace are presented in four “metal" categories: ​Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Metal categories are based on how you and your plan split the costs of your health care (monthly premiums, deductibles, etc.); they have nothing to do with the quality of care itself. The cost of coverage will vary depending on factors such as the type of plan you select, your income, and your location. Depending on your income, you might qualify for subsidies to help pay for your coverage.

Keep in mind that low-cost Bronze plans might have high deductibles. That may mean you have to pay a lot of money out of pocket to receive health care before your health insurance starts paying.

Silver plans may be the best choice for many individuals and families. Silver plans may have no-cost or low-cost coverage for you to see a doctor or use the emergency room even though the monthly cost may be slightly more than a Bronze plan.

If you have just lost your health insurance, you are eligible for a 60-day special enrollment period. You can work with an enrollment assister, an insurance agent, or use HealthCare.gov  to enroll in a new insurance plan. You may also qualify for a special enrollment period if you have experienced a life event such as moving, getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child.

If you are an American Indian or Alaska Native who is a member of a federally recognized tribe or Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act Corporation shareholder, you qualify for special monthly Marketplace enrollment periods. As an American Indian or Alaska Native, you can sign up for coverage on HealthCare.gov any time and change your insurance once a month if you want.

• Call 2-1-1 for free expert help that is available in multiple languages.
• Visit WisCovered.com  to get connected with free, expert help in English, Spanish, and Hmong
• Call 608-261-1455 or 414-270-4677 for help from Covering Wisconsin .
• Call an insurance agent near you. Find agents here: localhelp.healthcare.gov 
  

Both state and federal law give certain individuals, who would otherwise lose their group health insurance coverage under an employer or association plan, the right to continue their coverage for up to 18 months.

• Most employers with 20 or more employees must comply with federal law (COBRA).
• Most group health insurance policies providing coverage to Wisconsin residents must comply with state law. 
  

The employer is required to provide you with written notice of your right to continue group coverage through COBRA.

Your Protections Under State Law: oci.wi.gov/Pages/Consumers/PI-023.aspx

Wisconsin's continuation law applies to most group health insurance policies providing hospital or medical coverage. Dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits are not required to be provided if offered as separate policies. The law applies to group policies issued to employers of any size so Wisconsin continuation is not limited by group size. Additionally, employees who live outside of the State of Wisconsin during employment with an employer located within the State of Wisconsin would be eligible for continuation coverage. The law does not apply to employer-self-funded health plans or policies covering only specified diseases or accidental injuries.