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Medical Coverage After a Job Loss in Minnesota

If you lost your healthcare insurance when you lost your job, you have options.

Continue your employer-based policy

Explore your options for Continuation of Health Coverage (COBRA) with your former employer. If you qualify for COBRA, you will probably have to pay the entire cost of your policy yourself. Many employers pay for at least part of the healthcare plan for active employees. Without the employer's contribution, this is not likely to be cheap, but it's usually less expensive than buying an individual policy. Answers to frequently asked questions appear at the Department of Labor's FAQs About COBRA Continuation Health Coverage site.

You may also be eligible for premium reductions and additional election opportunities for health benefits through The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). For more information, contact the U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration at 1-866-444-3272 or visit the Department of Labors' COBRA Continuation of Coverage website.

Sign up for government-provided health insurance

Several programs are available. Together they are called Minnesota Health Care Programs. These programs are available to people whose income and assets are below certain limits.

Buy an individual policy

Ask health insurance agents about buying a policy for yourself and your family. Many agents can be found in the yellow pages under "Insurance," and on the internet.

Consider insurance through the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association (MCHA)

Are you unable to purchase health insurance? In Minnesota, insurance through MCHA is available for a cost to individuals who cannot obtain health insurance through other means. You may qualify if you have a pre-existing condition, if your COBRA period is finished, if your employer does not offer health insurance, or for other reasons.