The Coronavirus pandemic is impacting our economy and unemployment rate in unprecedented ways, with 17 million unemployment claims filed over the past two weeks alone.

That’s why our direct-to-consumer website, healthinsurance.com, recently launched a survey to gauge the concerns and feelings of more than 1,000 respondents about COVID-19 and its economic impact.

Healthinsurance.com focused on topics like medical costs, unemployment, health insurance options and the use of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are 3 findings that surprised us:

While nearly 25% of respondents reported that they’ve lost their job due to COVID-19, more than 50% were not aware of their health insurance options to get coverage while unemployed.

More than 50% of respondents didn’t have enough money saved to cover the medical costs of COVID-19 if they contracted the virus.

Though telemedicine isn’t health insurance coverage, 85% of respondents were not aware you can just purchase a plan to get health care (with or without insurance coverage).

The above results were gathered through an online poll of more than 1,000 Americans between the ages of 18-64. The poll was conducted from April 3, 2020 to April 7, 2020, gleaning representative samples from each state based on population.

Health Insurance Resources If You’ve Lost Your Job

If you’re one of the many Americans who has lost your job due to the economic impact from COVID-19, know that you have options and there are resources available.

6 options to consider:

1. Join your spouse’s plan

You may be able to obtain coverage through your spouse’s job-based health insurance plan, as long as your spouse or partner is already covered, which can be a cost-effective option. Ask your spouse to talk to his or her HR or benefits team to see if this is an option and what the associated healthcare costs may be for you.

2. COBRA

You’ll likely receive a COBRA enrollment notice that includes information to continue your health insurance through your employer.



3. ACA (Obamacare) Plans

Though the 2020 Obamacare open enrollment period has ended, losing your job may qualify you for a special enrollment period exception. You can see if you can get coverage for an ACA plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

4. Short-Term Health Insurance

This type of temporary health insurance is designed to be a cost-effective and flexible insurance option if you’ve lost your job and have a gap in health insurance coverage.

5. Medicaid

Medicaid is based on your income, family size and asset level. Though each state can set its own requirements, the limit is typically 133% of the Federal Poverty Level. Benefits vary by state.



And Medicaid should not be confused with Medicare (here’s how to know the differences between the two).

6. Telemedicine (not health insurance – but a way to get care)

Telemedicine connects you with virtual doctors who can diagnose and treat your non-emergency medical conditions.



Though telemedicine isn’t a form of insurance, it’s a helpful service that people are turning to during a time of social distancing and stay-at-home orders. With telemedicine, you pay a monthly membership fee and, when you use the service, you may also pay a charge for the ‘televisit.