Short-term health insurance typically lasts several months. In some cases, people may extend the insurance beyond the initial period.
"Short term is for people whose lives are in transition," said Laden, in Indianapolis, whose company offers policies for one- to six-month periods.
Laden said the coverage is for emergencies, such as broken bones or sudden illness, and that her company has connections with local brokers.
For instance, a Tucson resident in his mid-20s could pay $24 monthly for a Golden Rule policy with a $2,500 deductible, Laden said.
If that person chooses the smallest deductible, $250, the monthly bill would be about $67.
That type of policy is a last resort, Tighe said. For now, she's interviewing for jobs that offer benefits.
"It's one of the top things I look for in a job, because I'm sick all the time," she said.
Tighe also said her temporary position as an administrative assistant with Arts for All means she sometimes comes into contact with children who are sick.
She hopes she'll remain healthy until she finds a job that offers health insurance.
"I'm just going about life every day and not really focused on not having insurance," Tighe said. "I don't think about it half as much as I should, probably because I'm so used to having it. But I've got multiple interviews, so hopefully one works out."
- Associated Press
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
