Buying Health Insurance Post-Graduation: A Guide to Obamacare ACA

Buying Health Insurance Post-Graduation: A Guide to Obamacare ACA

As a recent graduate in the USA, it’s crucial to ensure you have health insurance, especially after your school insurance expires. With your graduation date on December 14 and your school insurance ending on December 31, you will enter a 60-day grace period, which overlaps with the 90-day unemployment period for OPT. This means you’ll need to find and purchase health insurance on your own. There are various private insurance plans available, but this blog focuses specifically on how to navigate the government’s Obamacare ACA system.

Why Choose Obamacare ACA?

Many recent graduates feel more secure using the government platform for insurance, as recommended by their schools. Here’s how to buy insurance through Obamacare ACA:

Steps to Purchase Insurance via Healthcare.gov

1. Contacting the Healthcare.gov Hotline

Your first step is to find the hotline number on Healthcare.gov. Calling to get personal assistance can streamline your experience.

2. Qualifying for Special Enrollment

You must apply within 60 days following graduation to qualify for a special enrollment period. While you can initiate a normal application on the website, it’s essential to call the hotline to officially request special enrollment. The site doesn’t support zero-income students optimizing their application, causing complications that could transfer your application to Medicaid.

‼️Important: Always phone in to apply for special enrollment to avoid lengthy delays associated with the Medicaid process, especially in states like Illinois, where the electronic tracking for Medicaid is limited. You don’t want to be stuck in a situation waiting for them to process your application via mail!

3. Completing Your Application and Choosing a Plan

After successfully applying, you’ll fill out your information and be presented with various plan choices based on your needs.

• For healthy individuals anxious about high surprise bills: There’s a plan with a minimum premium of around $80 per month and an out-of-pocket maximum of $9,200.
• For those seeking better coverage: A more comprehensive plan can be available at a premium of $270 per month, with a deductible of $250 and an out-of-pocket maximum of $6,900.

Comparing Plans on the ACA

The ACA allows you to compare different insurance plans from various companies side by side. This feature helps you understand potential costs for common medical needs, such as childbirth, fractures, or managing Type 2 diabetes.

Don’t overlook the importance of health insurance during this transition period. It can make a significant difference in your financial and physical well-being. For fresh graduates stepping into the workforce, securing the right health coverage is vital.

Final Thoughts

Navigating health insurance as a new graduate can be overwhelming, but understanding how to use the Obamacare ACA can simplify your choices. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and secure transition into your next chapter.

Stay informed, stay healthy, and good luck with your future endeavors! 🚀