Texas Health Insurance Has Alternatives

People who have an employer sponsored health insurance plan in Texas and then lose their jobs do not have to go without health insurance. The bad news is that it will cost you more since your employer will not be covering part of it. Health insurance in Texas for people between jobs is covered by COBRA. COBRA stands for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. This insurance is controlled federal government and must be offered to employees that lose their jobs so that they may have continuous coverage while they look for a new job.

Basically, the employee keeps their same insurance, but now has to pay the entire bill, whereas before the employer was paying half of it. With this health insurance in Texas you and your family remain covered while you are unemployed. COBRA can be used for up to18 months for the employee and 36 months for your spouse and children. Losing your job does not have to mean losing your insurance.

Insured persons are eligible for COBRA when they leave the employment of a company with more than 20 employees. If the employee is on disability and gets Medicare their spouse and children may still qualify for COBRA coverage. You must choose to extend your health care coverage with COBRA within 60 days of leaving your job or you will forfeit these benefits entirely. Those that opt for this health insurance in Texas will pay the entire insurance premium along with any additional fees.

Continuing your HMO health insurance coverage is an option when you choose COBRA after terminating your employment. You must check your policy and be sure to use only the doctors in your network or you may only get emergency treatment covered.

Texas has a law about health insurance coverage that calls for a continuance period which is usually about 6 months. This continuance period begins after the COBRA coverage ends. If you are eligible for the continuance, but prefer COBRA your coverage may last for up to 2 years.

According to Texas law most health insurance carriers must allow for a group continuance period for people who no longer qualify for the other plan. This applies to people who should have been covered under the group plan. When using this health insurance in Texas, the group insurance coverage continues as long as payment is made on time.

COBRA is not the only option for people who lose their jobs. Texas has what is known as the Health Pool. People who don't qualify for new health insurance coverage due to a pre-existing condition may qualify for this kind of health insurance in Texas. This will allow for the most vital medical needs to be taken care of, although the coverage may not be as extensive as a regular health insurance plan. There are several factors that will determine whether you qualify for the Health Pool; Medicaid or Medicare: or perhaps using COBRA is the best option for you. You may wish to discuss your options with a social worker to see which would work for you.

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