When someone loses their job, they not only lose their income, but a lot of times they also lose their health insurance. If you've been laid off and do not/can not get health insurance through a partner, take these 3 steps to get medical insurance.

1. Start by visiting healthcare.gov. If you live in a state that has its own marketplace, you will be directed there to submit your application.

​2. Fill out the application and make sure to choose "Check for all savings options." Choosing this option is the only way you will get any advance premium tax credit (APTC)* that you qualify for. Making this choice will also allow the Marketplace to see if you qualify for Medicaid and CHIP programs. *The APTC is money that the Marketplace sends directly to the insurer you choose; it helps you pay less in premium each month.

3. Once you've finished your application, you'll be asked to choose a plan. Make sure to consider plans in every metal level (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) before making a decision; do not assume the Bronze level is the most affordable option. If you qualify for "cost sharing reductions", you can get these savings ONLY if you pick a Silver Plan.

Did you get a letter to renew your Medicaid benefits? If yes, the letter is asking you to give information that will help the governmental agency in your state find out if you still qualify for Medicaid.

Some of you may have never had to do this. That's because the removal of Medicaid recipients from the program has been paused since the start of the pandemic. A federal law required states to keep people on Medicaid regardless of eligibility. But that federal mandate ended.

Take Action
To keep your Medicaid coverage

What should you do if you no longer qualify for Medicaid? Read How to sign up for a health plan on Healthcare.gov (coming soon).
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​Pennsylvania: Renew your Medicaid benefits in Pennsylvania

Do you get health insurance through Medicaid? If you do, then you may soon get a letter asking you to renew your benefits. This process is called Medicaid redetermination or rede for short. The letter will ask you for information that is used to see if you can still get Medicaid benefits. To make sure you get this letter, confirm or update your mailing address. Doing so ensures the agency that runs the Medicaid program in your state and sends the Medicaid renewal letter has your correct address.

​Below are links to each state's websites where you can confirm or update your address. Also take the opportunity to confirm or update your email address and phone number as well.