Health Insurance while Searching?

August 14, 2025

by a searcher from Duke University - The Fuqua School of Business in New York, NY, USA

For those who formally left their W-2 to focus on search, which independent health insurance providers would you recommend, particularly for those with young children?

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Reply by a searcher
from University of Akron in Cleveland, OH, USA

Have you looked into this ETA Benefits Initiative via Search Fund Coalition? https://share.hsforms.com/1D4IauaLMQL-vdWf-iGbIIgqxw5l?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=eta_benefits_initiative_pilot_sign_up_by_9_25_searchers_deserve_quality_health_insurance&utm_term=###-###-####

Reply by a searcher
from University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA, USA

From what I've seen, the 3 most cost effective options would be: 1. Spousal insurance from employer, if you have this option available. Though copays may be high depending on what options your spouse's company makes available. You may have to pay a little more to add yourself and the rest of your family. 2. State exchanges (Obamacare). Most exchanges have defined sign-up periods that have already passed. But if you left your W-2 recently, that can often qualify as an event that would let you sign-up outside of the sign-up period. Dependents would also be covered under this. Insurers on exchanges also have to cover pre-existing conditions (which I don't think is the case with private insurance). 3. Medicaid. Depends on your state - but this would be the most cost effective if you qualify (essentially $0 copays in most cases). If your annualized income for 2025 falls under the thresholds depending on when you left your W-2, then this is the best option. Though you'll have to look at your state's fine print (there also may be other considerations since you're married and whether you file jointly). I've heard stories from searchers who effectively relied on medicaid for their families while getting their search off the ground. Hope that helps!

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