Getting Health Insurance

Why should you get health insurance? How will it help you save money? This section explains the benefits of getting covered and walks you through how to get started. Learn about the different types of plans as well as the different ways you might get insurance.

Topic Area: Your options and why you need coverage

I just lost health insurance coverage. What do I need to know?

If you need care right away

If you need medical care before you can get your new coverage in place, there are resources to help. Learn more.

Getting new coverage

When you lose your health insurance, you need to find out what options you have to get coverage.

  1. See if your circumstances are a qualifying life event that allows you to enroll outside of the open enrollment periods Learn more.
  2. If you are employed, and don’t currently have coverage through work, check with your employer to see if they offer insurance.
  3. If you lost your employer-based coverage because you left your job or became ineligible for coverage (such as moving from a full-time position to part-time, or your coverage was through your spouse’s employer and you divorced):
    • You may be able to maintain similar coverage under a federal law called COBRA or under New Hampshire's State Continuation Law for a limited time (Learn more).
    • You would have to pay the entire premium (employer and employee portions) yourself. The COBRA or continuation premium typically will also include an administrative surcharge of 2% in addition to the base premium.
  4. You have several options to consider depending on your situation.

Helpful tips

Visit www.healthcare.gov and use the Find Local Help tool to search for a qualified insurance agent or broker.  Another resource to find a broker is Trusted Choice 

6/18/2024

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