Being denied health insurance can feel like a terrible blow. But just because one insurance company will not take you does not mean that all of them won't take you. It also does not mean that you must settle for the most expensive plan with the least coverage. Have a thick skin, and continue to explore your options and shop for health insurance until you find the best possible option for you.
Instructions
1. Ascertain why you have been denied; it is useful information. Possible reasons include a preexisting condition. That means the private health insurance company won't take you because you are already being treated for a medical condition. If your lost your job and your COBRA ran out, the rules may say that you are no longer eligible to be in the same plan. Ask the insurance company representatives why you have been denied, and make sure you understand their answers.
2. Apply for Medicaid through your county's department of social services. Medicaid is a federally funded health insurance program, but is its run by each state, so the rules and application process varies to some extent from state to state. Departments of social services usually have one office per county.
In general, you qualify for Medicaid if you have limited income and are pregnant or have children, receive foster care or adoption assistance, qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or have very limited assets. If you are not sure if you are eligible for Medicaid, apply.
3. Contact an independent insurance broker. Just because one private health insurance company denied to give you coverage does not mean that they all will. A quick and easy way to do this is to visit ehealthinsurance.com (see Resources below) to get quotes. If you have already been denied, however, you will most likely fare better if you talk to an independent agent.
4. Contact a variety of insurance companies directly, and ask them about private health insurance. Start with companies that you already do business with. For example, if Blue Cross denied to cover you and you have car insurance through State Farm, contact State Farm and see if it can help you. It never hurts to ask.
5. Talk to your family members who have health insurance through their workplace. If your spouse is insured and you no longer have coverage, find out if you can be added to your spouse's plan.
6. Hire a lawyer. While that may seem like an expensive option, it can more than offset the amount of money you will spend on health care if you don't obtain insurance. Finding a lawyer who will put in a few hours of time discussing your situation with a health insurance company may help you obtain coverage, especially if there is a problem with your denial. Ask for a free consultation; many lawyers will give you an in-person or phone consultation for up to half an hour so you can explain yourself without being charged.
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