Last Updated on January 17, 2024 by Lori Pace
Paying out of pocket for healthcare is difficult for anyone, but especially those who already have hefty financial responsibilities. Finding the right insurance is crucial if you are to avoid being hamstrung by unaffordable medication or care. The good news is that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made it easier for uninsured single moms to get affordable health insurance.
Best Health Insurance Options For Single Moms
Raising a child is tough on the resources of any two-income household. When you’re raising a child alone, you have to make your single salary go far. It is no wonder then that there are twice as many uninsured single mothers as there are uninsured co-parents.
But as mentioned above, here are some of the best ways to find health insurance options for single moms.
Healthcare.gov
For single moms who can’t afford health insurance, Healthcare.gov offers a solution. The site is referred to by many as a health insurance marketplace or exchange. Depending on the state you live in, there may be a specific health insurance exchange for you.
Established as part of the ACA, Healthcare.gov provides you with all the resources you need to get health insurance. You can use it to find out which healthcare plans are available in your area, as well as whether you qualify for any subsidies.
Start by going to Healthcare.gov and entering your zip code. You will be presented with the policies you’re eligible for, and directed to any site specific to your state. You generally need to enrol between November 1 and December 15. However, under certain conditions you can qualify for a special enrolment period.
These include:
- Losing your employer-sponsored health coverage
- Getting married
- Moving
- Having a baby
- Adopting a child
As a single parent, you may be eligible for significant subsidies or tax credits. The Healthcare.gov website should have all the information you need regarding these benefits.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a federal program. However, states determine who is eligible for it to a large extent. Under the ACA, most states expanded Medicaid coverage to cover anyone under a certain household income. If you are struggling to provide health insurance for yourself, you may be eligible for Medicaid.
There are still 12 states who have not expanded Medicaid coverage. These states are:
- Alabama
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
If you are not eligible based on income, you may be eligible based on your status as a single mother. Unlike most of the plans you will find on Healthcare.gov, you can apply for Medicaid at any time of the year.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
If you are struggling to get health insurance for your children, you can take advantage of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). CHIP is a federal program that is available in every state (although what it covers is determined by state).
Your child may be eligible for CHIP if they are:
- Under 19
- Ineligible for Medicaid
- A US citizen (or if they meet immigration requirements)
- A resident of the state
The above health insurance plans will help single mothers who are struggling to find affordable insurance. The ACA has gone a long way to lowering the number of uninsured Americans, but in some states it is still difficult to get a good plan if you earn a low income.
Should I Get Other Kinds Of Insurance?
As a single mom, health insurance is not the only type of cover you need to think about. You should also consider getting term life insurance to pay for your child’s needs if anything happens to you. Your term life insurance cost will depend on personal factors. The lowest premium you can expect is $9 per month.
Life insurance is not as important as health insurance. However, without life insurance, your death could leave your child struggling when they reach adulthood. It is definitely something you should seriously consider.
