Hello,

I have a question about the healthcare insurance in US.

I have heard that it is tied to your employment and the company provides for it.

So here are a couple of questions:

  1. Is there no way for an individual to get their own personal insurance and not be dependent on the company?

  2. What about freelancers, business owners and retirees? Do they forfeit their insurances?

  • Nightmaru@lemmy.ml
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    1 year ago

    There is a way, and it is required, but it is much more expensive; therefore people usually pay for the least amount of coverage.

    If you fall under a certain income threshold you can get free healthcare through medicare/aid.

    • Moohamin12@lemm.ee
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      1 year ago
      1. What would be the difference in price? Just a ball park figure if you have it.

      2. What about freelancers and people that don’t work traditional jobs?

  • pinwurm@lemmy.ml
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    1 year ago

    An individual can sign up for a plan through their State’s health insurance exchange or the federal government’s HealthCare.gov website.

    It is usually more expensive than getting it through an employer - but works to serve small business owners, freelancers, etc.

    A few States (like Massachusetts) have semi-universal systems that cover all individuals that earn under 150% of poverty, independent students, newly unemployed, etc.

    A lot of Americans are also covered under Medicare, Medicaid , Social Security and other programs.

    Retirees aged 65 and older are eligible for Medicare - a semi-universal federal system that covers pretty much everything and accepted most places.