Hello,

I have a question about the healthcare insurance in US.

I have heard that it is tied to your employment and the company provides for it.

So here are a couple of questions:

  1. Is there no way for an individual to get their own personal insurance and not be dependent on the company?

  2. What about freelancers, business owners and retirees? Do they forfeit their insurances?

  • rsn@lemmy.mlEnglish
    01·
    3 years ago
    1. Yes, however it’s usually a little more expensive to get the same coverage, as the employer pays a part of employee’s insurance costs.
    2. Forfeit? No, they’ll still need insurance (you get a fine if you’re without insurance for more than 3 out of 12 months (at least, I think that was the case)).
    • Jodilye@lemmy.worldEnglish
      2·
      3 years ago

      This is the first time I’ve heard about being fined for not having insurance.

      Tv etc has led me to believe if you don’t have insurance you just hope and pray you don’t need to go to a&e. What about homeless people, for example? Is there something in place that issues fines to all the people who don’t have insurance at all? I’m so confused.

    • Simpsonator@lemmy.worldEnglish
      0·
      3 years ago

      On point 2, the individual mandate was repealed in 2018. There’s no federal penalty for not having insurance.

      • rsn@lemmy.mlEnglish
        1·
        3 years ago

        Apparently it is still upheld at the state level in 5 states.