Beyond the public health impact of the virus itself, the social distancing interventions are causing their own public health impacts by adversely impacting the social determinants of health. When people lose their ability to make a living it can cause a cascade of harmful outcomes. It’s a good thing that the recent $2.2T fiscal stimulus is on the way (especially the increase in unemployment insurance benefits) – but that’s just a patch.
Among things that folks that have been laid off are worrying about is health insurance. Some people that have been laid off may be OK for now if their employer is temporarily carrying their group insurance (at least for April). Most people that have been laid off will probably be losing their employer-based health insurance at the end of the month in which they were laid off. Those folks have a few different options.
Medicaid
Medicaid may be an option for some folks recently laid off. AHCCCS is recommending that people apply for AHCCCS health insurance as soon as they’re laid off. To apply online, folks can visit the Health-e-Arizona PLUS online application portal. Here’s AHCCCS’ Enrollment Information Webpage with a summary of the qualifying criteria including income eligibility requirements.
In most instances for initial eligibility determinations, the actual (or anticipated) income to be received in the application month is considered. The application form allows you to indicate that you’ve lost your income. AHCCCS has stated that additional unemployment insurance payments and the upcoming stimulus checks won’t be counted as income when determining medical eligibility, so that’s good.
The bottom line is that a lot of things are in flux right now and there’s nothing to lose by applying right away. People can schedule a free phone appointment with a certified assister to learn more. Call 1-800-377-3536 or by visiting www.coveraz.org/connector.
Marketplace Insurance
People recently laid off can also buy health insurance through the federal marketplace under the Affordable Care Act. Enrolling in Marketplace plans is usually limited to the open enrollment period, but when a person is laid off and loses their employer based health insurance it’s called a “qualifying event” and they can buy Marketplace insurance even though it’s not open enrollment. So that’s another option. And remember, Marketplace plans come with subsidies for folks that financially qualify.
COBRA
For decades there’s been a law in place called COBRA – which allows people to maintain their employer-related group health insurance- except that they need to pay both the employer and employee side of the premium (which can be expensive). So, folks that have been laid off can ask their employer for a COBRA application and get coverage that way.
Other Help
There are other programs out there that can help people with resources in times of need like this. A good place to explore the potential benefits is a website called Arizona Self Help. It’s a free and easy way to find out if your family can get help from 40 different health and human services programs. The website provides Program list/descriptions, Contact information, List of items you may need to bring to an eligibility interview, and Program applications.
