How to Get Free or Low-Cost Health Insurance

4. Job-based Health Plan

Many employers in the U.S. subsidize health insurance for their employees and their employees’ families as part of the employee’s benefits and compensation package.

Health coverage is a common benefit for full-time employees of large companies, but it's less common for part-time employees and small businesses.

Who Qualifies?'

When you get a job that comes with health insurance benefits, your employer may offer only one health plan. They may also offer several options and allow you to choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.

You have a limited time to sign up for the health insurance your employer offers. If you don’t sign up before the deadline, you’ll have to wait until the next annual open enrollment period. Employers set their own open enrollment periods, so the specific dates vary from one employer to another.

You may have a short waiting period before your coverage begins—usually 30 to 90 days. The ACA caps the waiting period at 90 days, and some employers don't have a waiting period at all. Once the coverage takes effect, pre-existing conditions are covered right away, with no additional waiting period.