Today, more and more people are trying to understand the intricacies of health insurance. Since the enactment of the important Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in March 2010, the health insurance market has undergone major changes.

Types of health insurance in the U.S., where and how you can get it

Insurance coverage can be obtained in one of the following ways:

• Employer-paid health insurance plan. Spouse’s employer-paid health insurance plan.
• Parent’s employer-paid health insurance plan, as long as the insured is less than 26 years old.
• Fee-for-service insurance plan. Individual health insurance may cover the spouse and children. This program is also available through the Affordable Care Exchange (ACA). COBRA insurance renewal. COBRA is a law that gives people the right to renew coverage under an employer’s insurance plan after losing their job, the death of a spouse, divorce, or loss of eligibility for dependent coverage. COBRA lasts for up to 18 months.
• Government health care programs, such as Medicaid or Medicare, as long as the subject is eligible if they fall into a certain category. Medicaid – A state and federal insurance program for low-income individuals and families. Medicare is a program for people age 65 and older and for young people with certain disabilities. Moreover, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) covers children from low-income families.
• Short Term Health Insurance Program. Most Americans now have access to these types of programs. They have limited benefits, but low premiums. This plan lasts one year (members may ask to renew twice).
• Association Health Plan. Small companies and sole proprietors can buy general health insurance when they join. This program is not expensive and offers some benefits.

Find more information about health documents in the U.S. in our articles.