As of right now, layoffs due to coronavirus create no nationally mandated special options for employees. So, the first step is to consider the layoff as just that, a layoff with the same options available to us as before, apply for unemployment, see whether the former employer is providing a grace period of a month or longer before health benefits are terminated and we become uninsured, COBRA (which is usually very expensive).
Further, short term limited duration health insurance plans may be a resource for us. Price them out, see what they cover.
If the person losing health benefits is in a household, determine whether you can be added to your fellow householder's health insurance, loss of job is a changed circumstance that bypasses usual enrollment periods.
A person who is laid off might be eligible for Medicaid, especially in states with expanded Medicaid, so look for this option as well, but the process could take over a month, month-and-a-half.
The first priority as always is to get the care you need.
We should ALL be looking for health insurance companies and government, both federal and state to address coronavirus specific issues, especially where local governments are using their authority to close down businesses. (Yes, we understand the public health concern, but it doesn’t change that these business are being closed by government).
WE NEED:
Free testing: While we're all reading about "waiving" fees for TESTING for coronavirus, the waiver is being provided by INSURANCE COMPANIES for the most part. Every individual should be covered for FREE testing regardless of whether they have health insurance or not.
Premium Refunds: Right now many providers are shutting down or drastically limiting their practices making them inaccessible for usual visits. This situation means we're paying for coverage that is not in reality available and insurance companies should REFUND a portion of premium to policyholders.
Automatic or Telehealth Prescription Renewal: We would also be looking for automatic prescription renewal or a TELEHEALTH substitute for an office visit in the event a person cannot see their provider for the three-month office visit often required to "renew" prescriptions in order to prevent disruption of needed prescriptions.
Beyond merely shutting everything down and again ignoring the public employee protections not available to the rest of us, we must demand that state and federal government pay attention to the real needs of our communities.
