This could have been answered in some ways, but I need a dummy lesson on this. My health insurance offered through my employer is too high for my budget. My budget includes car insurance, loans, and rent/utilities. So taking things out of my existing budget isn’t necessarily an option.
Is there some sort of government option where someone can apply/qualify for cheaper insurance with relatively the same coverage if this is someone’s case? Basic coverage is needed just for myself- general health, dental, vision
If your work insurance is too expensive (more than 8.39% of your income) or doesn’t cover enough, you can get help from Healthcare.gov. They offer subsidies that lower your costs.
In some states, you might qualify for Medicaid even with work insurance. This free or low-cost health program is available if your income is below 138% of the poverty level. (But only in states that expanded Medicaid.)
If none of these options work, you might need to consider a new job. Look for one with better benefits or higher pay, or take on a second job to afford healthcare.
just adding that your employer only has to offer 1 plan that does meet affordability standards- even if you don’t choose to pick that plan. As long as they offer 1 that does, you aren’t due a subsidy from healthcare.gov
We’d be happy to give some thoughts on what your options may be. We need to know your rough annual income, what state you’re in, and how much your employer-sponsored insurance costs you per week / paycheck / month (doesn’t matter how you express this figure, we just need to know how you’re expressing it).
When it comes to health insurance affordability, government guidelines don’t factor other bills in, only how much you make and how much the insurance costs.
Please update your post / comment with the additional info and I’d be happy to help dig in.