Restaurant & Hospitality Workers: If You Received Unemployment in 2021, You Can Get Free Health Insurance

Without a doubt, the COVID-19 pandemic was hard on every one of us. But for Americans in the restaurant and hospitality industry, the effects were even more difficult to bear.

Over the course of the last year and a half, it’s estimated that we’ve lost nearly 3 million jobs in the restaurant industry alone. That’s 3 million people who have had to scramble just to stay afloat, and it doesn’t even take into account people who work in hotels, resorts, and other hospitality-based businesses.

At least now, there’s a little light at the end of the tunnel. As a result of the American Rescue Plan, any individual who received an unemployment benefit in 2021 qualifies for a free ($0 premium) health insurance plan. Even better, the new subsidies that make it possible are good through the end of 2021.

Here’s what you need to know:

Key Facts: 2021 Unemployment Free Health Insurance

• The American Rescue Plan is making government-paid health insurance to anyone who received an unemployment benefit in 2021, regardless of your previous or current income.
• These Silver-tier plans offer a great range of coverage, and come with additional bonus coverage that will lower both your copayments and deductible.
• These new health insurance subsidies are available retroactively beginning January 1 st, 2021, and extend through the end of the year.
• Under the new Extended Enrollment Period, you have until August 15th, 2021 to sign up for a plan.

Commonly asked questions about the American Rescue Plan’s Unemployment

Q: How do I sign up for a free unemployment health insurance plan?

If you’ve received unemployment this year and want to enroll in a $0 premium plan, call your Personal Benefits Manager. A quick consultation can get you all squared away, and as usual, our services are 100% free to you.

Q: I don’t have health insurance at the moment, but I want it now. Is there still time?

With the Extended Open Enrollment Period, you can sign up for a health insurance plan until August 15th.

Q: What if I’m unemployed but still on my job-based coverage?

If you are unemployed for any reason, federal law says that you can keep your workplace coverage for up to 18 months. Usually, you would have to pay for this COBRA coverage at full price.

Under the new stimulus bill, you can receive up to 6 months of free COBRA coverage. That means that you can keep your plan if you’d like.

Q: I’m currently in a health sharing plan. Is this a good time to switch back to health insurance?

Health sharing plans are a good option for a lot of people, because they’re flexible and super affordable. But with the new expanded health insurance subsidies, some people might be thinking of switching back to a traditional health insurance plan.

Here’s the thing: There’s no one-size-fits all answer to this question, or really any health insurance question. The right decision for you is going to depend on a number of factors. Your Personal Benefits Manager can help you make the right decision.

Let’s Get You a Free Health Insurance Plan

If you received an unemployment benefit at any time in 2021, you can qualify for a free health insurance plan. If you’re ready to get started, or if you’re not sure whether you qualify, give us a call. With a quick consultation we can find you the plan that you need, and make sure that you’re not paying a dime more than you should.

Call your Personal Benefits Manager directly, or reach any one of us at 800-913-6381.Here are some additional articles on health insurance in Colorado: Rocky Mountain Health Plans: The Fastest Growing Colorado Health Insurance Plan Keeps Getting Better | Colorado Special Enrollment Period: There’s Still Time to Get Health Insurance for 2021

Here are some additional pages related to this article: How to Get Health Insurance in Colorado Outside of Open Enrollment | Available Colorado Health Plans