What to Do When You Lose Your Health Insurance

It happens in a heartbeat. You get a "meeting" invite on a Friday afternoon, and by 5:00 PM, your health insurance is gone. Your first thought isn't about your salary—it’s about your heart medication or your insulin. You know that without the "employer discount," your monthly med bill is about to become a second mortgage.

Don't panic. The system is terrifying, but there is a "safety net" that is separate from COBRA and separate from the Marketplace.

The COBRA Trap

Most people think COBRA is the only option. It’s not. It is often incredibly expensive because you are now paying 100% of the premium that your employer used to help with. For many families, COBRA is a financial impossibility.

The Secret Safety Net: PAPs

Pharmaceutical companies have programs specifically for people who have lost their coverage. These Patient Assistance Programs are often more accessible when you are unemployed. In fact, "Loss of Coverage" is one of the fastest ways to get approved for free medication.

The drug companies won't advertise this because they'd rather you pay full price, but the programs are there.

Immediate Steps to Take

1. Don't skip doses. This leads to hospital stays that cost more than a year of insurance.
2. Ask for a 90-day supply. If you still have a few days of coverage, ask your doctor to write for 90 days to buy you time.
3. Call an advocate. Navigating these programs while you are looking for a new job is overwhelming.

We specialize in helping people during these transitions. For $40 a month, we handle the entire PAP enrollment process so you can get your medications for free from the manufacturer. Your health shouldn't be tied to your job title.

Lost your insurance? We can get your meds for $40/mo. Check now.