How to Apply for Health Insurance

The rising cost of health insurance is a concern for many families. There are many options available to keep your family covered. Maintaining a basic policy is essential to avoid costly unplanned hospital visits or even the cost of newborn checkups and shots.

Instructions

• 1

  Contact your human resources department or the owner of the business where you are employed. Ask if you qualify for their insurance policy. If not, ask what you need to do to qualify. There is often a minimum number of hours worked per week necessary to qualify for insurance. Fill out the necessary insurance policy information. Ask when your coverage begins.

• 2

  Apply for insurance coverage when you start a new job. Fill out all required forms. Ask if there is a waiting period before your new insurance policy takes effect.

• 3

  Compare independent insurance policies. You are not required to take a policy from your employer. Find a policy that fits the needs for you and your family. See the Resources section below for information on comparing insurance policies.

• 4

  Apply for insurance for your children through the Federal Insure Kids Now program, which was started in the United States to make sure that all children have accessibility to health care. For more information and application forms, see the References section below.

• 5

  Research the federally funded Children's Health Insurance Program, or CHIP. This is another type of program made available so that all children have access to affordable health care. For more information and eligibility requirements, see References below.

• 6

  Review eligibility requirements for low income insurance options. Apply for these programs through the link found in Resources below.

• 7

  Qualify for Medicare Insurance if you are 65 years of age or older. For more information and application forms, see References below.