Mass layoffs are pushing many Americans into an unfamiliar role: shopping for health insurance that isn’t offered by an employer.
A swirl of confusing terms and options await inexperienced shoppers as they sort health insurance plans. And there’s probably no one from human resources available to quickly answer questions.
The coronavirus pandemic has thrown 1 in 6 American workers out of a job. Navigators, brokers and others who help people find coverage say they are starting to see a wave of new customers looking for help either from the Affordable Care Act’s insurance marketplaces or the government-funded Medicaid program.
Here are some steps to take if you wind up on the market for new coverage.
KNOW THE BASICS