Low income health insurance

Health insurance affordability is becoming a bigger and bigger issue in the United States.

Lately, there has been a lot of press coverage about the rising cost of health insurance. Health insurance is like gasoline - no matter how expensive it gets, it's still a necessity. There are those who have trouble with paying for health insurance, unfortunately. What are their options?

Every state has a low income health insurance program. Each jurisdiction carries different rules for qualification. Usually, the state's Division of Family Services office can assist people with qualification guidelines for low income health insurance.

The low income health insurance application process is fairly straightforward. Potential enrollees must fill out an application and provide proof of income and financial status. Low income health insurance programs can cover everything from emergency room visits to mammograms to prescription medication. Coverage is available for all family members. Many employers do not offer health coverage to their employees. Low income health insurance through the state can be a viable alternative, as it costs nothing. Some might dread the application process, fearing that qualification denial is inevitable. However, they don't realize that many felt the same way, only to find that they did qualify.

In New York, for example, you might qualify for low income health insurance if you have high medical bills, receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income), or meet certain guidelines for income, age, or disability.

To apply for low income health insurance, you should bring:

1. Proof of age, such as a birth certificate;

2. Proof of United States citizenship or immigration status;

3. Recent pay stubs, if employed;

4. Proof of other income, such as Social Security, SSI, Veteran's Benefits (VA), pension, or other retirement income;

5. Proof of residency, such as a landlord statement or rent receipt;

6. Insurance benefit cards, if currently covered by health insurance;

7. and a Medicare Benefit Card, if applicable.

If you already pay for health or Medicare coverage, or if you have the option of obtaining such coverage but can't afford payments, then a low income health insurance program might be able to help pay the premiums. Even if you're not eligible for low income health insurance, you might still be eligible to have medical insurance premiums paid for in the event of job loss or a reduction in work hours. Assistance with payment of COBRA premiums is also possible.

Your local district determines your eligibility for low income health insurance. In general, they must notify you in writing within 45 days of application whether you've been approved or denied. If you're currently pregnant, or are applying on behalf of your children, the time to notify you goes down to 30 days. If you have a disability, you might need to have the local district evaluate the disability and can delay the process up to 90 days. If you are denied for low income health insurance, many jurisdictions have an appeals process.