How do you obtain medical insurance after being diagnosed with cancer?

There are a few ways to obtain medical insurance after being diagnosed with cancer.

* Continue your current health insurance plan. If you have employer-sponsored health insurance, you may be able to continue your coverage through COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act). COBRA allows you to continue your health insurance coverage for up to 18 months after you lose your job or have your hours reduced.

* Purchase an individual health insurance plan. If you do not have employer-sponsored health insurance, you can purchase an individual health insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace. The Marketplace is a government-run website where you can compare health insurance plans and find out if you qualify for subsidies.

* Enroll in a government health insurance program. If you are low-income, you may be eligible for Medicaid. Medicaid is a government health insurance program that provides coverage for low-income adults, children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.

* Obtain health insurance through your spouse's employer. If your spouse has employer-sponsored health insurance, you may be able to add yourself to your spouse's plan.

It is important to note that you may have to pay higher premiums for health insurance after being diagnosed with cancer. This is because cancer is considered a pre-existing condition, and insurance companies are allowed to charge higher premiums for people with pre-existing conditions.

However, there are a few things you can do to reduce your health insurance premiums. For example, you can choose a plan with a higher deductible, or you can shop around for a plan that offers discounts for things like healthy living or non-tobacco use.

If you are having difficulty obtaining health insurance, you can contact the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-422-6237 for assistance.