What happens when you find yourself out of work and out of health insurance?  A friend of mine asked me these very questions a few weeks ago.  She is un-employed and scared of going to the doctor, the idea of how much it will cost to private pay is keeping her away from seeking the care that she needs.  She has been on Monster.com every day searching for a job,,,, just so she can have health insurance again.

So what is available for the unemployed in MA there are quite a few options to consider.  There is Short Term Health Insurance , COBRA options, and MA insurance to get you through… and if you qualify and want to go through the paper work you could be eligible for MassHealth. 

No one wants to pay the costs of an emergency room visit especially when it is private pay.  The last time I took Tommy in for Croup it was well over $600, lucky for us we have insurance and we only paid a co-pay of $50.  In my opinion it makes no sense that we burden those that do not have insurance with the high costs of care…which makes the cycle of poverty grow even more.  How can you pay off a $600 emergency bill for your son when you are unemployed or working for minimum wage?  You then have to go without in other areas and you might think twice before bringing him a second time, which could be deadly.  It is just so sad and maddening at the same time.

If you or a friend find yourself without work, and therefore health insurance take a moment to look into your options.  There are options available that could end up saving your budget and life.