Depending on many factors, there are lots of ways that you can get health insurance. If you are new to the U.S., there are options for you. To find what options are available to you and best fit your needs, talk to an enrollment assister.
Your Options for Health Insurance
Medicaid
Medicaid is available for people and families who earn below a certain income. There are different types of Medicaid plans, depending on your needs and income level.
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, many states have changed the requirements for Medicaid so that more people can get it. For example, in Michigan, this expanded Medicaid is called the Healthy Michigan Plan and in California, it’s called Medi-Cal. Check with an enrollment assister to see if your state has expanded Medicaid and what insurance options are available to you.
To find out if you are eligible for a Medicaid Program, talk to an enrollment assister.
The Children’s Health Insurance Program
The Children’s Health Insurance Program or “CHIP” is available for children younger than age 19 whose family makes below a certain income. Some states have different names for CHIP.
For example, Michigan’s CHIP is called MIChild and Wisconsin’s CHIP is called BadgerCare. Check with your enrollment assister to see if your child qualifies for CHIP or other insurance options.
Medicare
Medicare is available to anyone who is 65 years or older and has worked in the US for a total of at least 10 years, had been working when they became permanently disabled, or has end-stage kidney disease or Lou Gehrig’s Disease
You can also have Medicaid alongside of Medicare to help cover the costs of your care, depending on your needs and income level.
Employer
Many people can get health insurance through their jobs where they pay a share of the premium if it meets the minimum value standard. This means that the employer’s health insurance covers at least 60% of your total health care costs.
If your employer’s health insurance does not meet the minimum value standard, this means that it is not affordable and you may be eligible for subsidies to buy health insurance on the Marketplace instead of using your employer’s health plan.
Ask your employer if they offer a health insurance plan for you and your family.
Marketplace
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, you can also get health insurance through the Health Exchange or Marketplace, (also known as healthcare.gov). There are different types of health insurance available in the Marketplace. You can learn more about these health insurance options below.
Depending on your income level, you may qualify for financial assistance (known as a premium tax credit or cost sharing reduction assistance) when enrolling in a plan through the Marketplace.
To find out which health insurance is the best fit for you and your family, and if you are eligible for financial assistance in the Marketplace, talk to an enrollment assister.
PENALTIES
If you can afford health insurance but choose not to buy it, you will be penalized with a fee. There are some exemptions for this fee, including income level, and unexpected events like changes in income level, bankruptcy, eviction, and domestic violence.
For domestic violence, no court documentation is needed. However, if you are exempt from the fee, you may be eligible for Medicaid. To learn more, talk to your enrollment assister.