With unemployment rising, I've had a few employees ask me about how friends/family members can get insurance if they are unemployed (COBRA to high, as other independent insurers).

Does anyone know of good, inexpensive insurance for people who are unemployed?

Thanks, Greta

Greta, Having recently gone through this on a personal level, the cheapest route is COBRA -- you're still getting some subsidy from the previous employer. Other than that, there seems to be no such thing as "cheap" or "inexpensive" individual health insurance. Also, it seems to be different based on the state the individual is in. Some states have a specific health insurance program for the otherwise uninsurable.

COBRA is generally, but not universally, cheaper. I've had clients with horrific claims experience where the COBRA costs were higher than individual coverage.

There are several companies that offer individual coverage that will be lower cost than COBRA. Will it have the same coverage. NO! However the main purpose is to insure against that illness or injury that could break the bank.

Have them contact a local insurance agent.

Bob

I agree with all of the other posters. What Lugeguy is referring to is simply obtaining catastrophic coverage. If an individual wants to purchase this directly from a local carrier, it should be less expensive. On the flip side, routine doctor vists and Rx probably won't be covered. Forty-nine out of 50 times, COBRA is the least expensive way to go if the individual wants similar coverage.

For some options try websites like www.ehealthinsurance.com.

I was afraid there wouldn't be any good solutions. I did check the website which gives quotes and details of the coverage. There is coverage that is much less than what one of my employees was quoted, so this may help her family out for the time being.

I appreciate all of your responses. Thanks!