In 2023, the average national cost for health insurance was $702 per month for an individual and $1,997 for a family, according to an employer health benefits survey by KFF, an independent source for health policy research, polling and journalism.1
While many Americans receive health insurance benefits through an employer, those who don’t (or those who can’t afford their employer-sponsored plan), are at risk of not receiving the medical care they need or of paying astronomical medical bills out of pocket.
If your employer doesn’t offer affordable health insurance or you are currently job seeking, self-employed, or unable to work, finding affordable health coverage for your family can be daunting.
We put together a list of health insurance options for single moms, with information about how to choose the plan that best suits your family’s needs:
- Government health insurance exchanges
- Medicaid
- CHIP
- Family health insurance plans
- Other ways of accessing health care without insurance
1. Healthcare.gov or state health insurance exchanges
If you cannot afford health insurance, go to Healthcare.gov, sometimes referred to as the health insurance “marketplace” or “exchange.” Your state may also have its own health insurance exchange.
Healthcare.gov was established as part of the Affordable Care Act, a federal statute enacted to provide health coverage to millions of uninsured Americans.
Louise Norris, a licensed broker and analyst for healthinsurance.org, an independent health insurance guide, says the health insurance exchange is the best place to start.
“Single parents who aren't eligible for employer-sponsored coverage will often find they and their kids are eligible for financial help with health coverage obtained through the exchange,” she says.
Depending on your income and family size, you may be eligible for subsidies, or premium tax credits, which will help cover the cost of your family’s health insurance. If you are eligible for insurance from your employer, you can still purchase a plan through the exchange, though you will likely not qualify for a subsidy.
To get started, head to Healthcare.gov and enter your zip code. This will bring up policies you are eligible for. If your state has its own exchange, you will be directed to your state’s website. Open enrollment begins on November 1 each year, and you must enroll by December 15 to get coverage for the following year. However, if you’ve experienced a major life event, you can qualify for a special enrollment period. These events include:
- losing your employer-sponsored health coverage
- getting married
- moving
- having a baby
- adopting a child
Depending on your situation, you may have 60 days before or 60 days after the event to enroll. To see if you’re eligible for a special enrollment period, you can complete a brief questionnaire on Healthcare.gov.
You can purchase a plan for your family through the website, or if you need assistance, you can use the Find Local Help tool to connect with someone in person who specializes in the healthcare exchange. You can also contact the marketplace call center at 800-318-2596. This number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week except on holidays. Finally, a mail-in application is available.
Who qualifies for the Affordable Care Act?
To be eligible to enroll in health coverage through the Affordable Care Act, you must live in the United States, be a U.S. citizen or national, and not be incarcerated.
Individuals who qualify for subsidies through the health insurance exchange must have a household income between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL).2 The FPL is a measure of income issued every year by the Department of Health and Human Services.
As of 2024, the federal poverty level for a two-person household is $20,440. For each additional person in the household, the FPL increases by $5,380. FPL guidelines are different for Alaska ($25,540 and $6,730 for each person) and Hawaii ($23,500 and $6,190 for each additional person).
You can see if you are eligible for premium tax credits that would lower your insurance costs by answering a few questions about your income on Healthcare.gov.
2. Medicaid
Medicaid is a government program that provides free or low-cost health coverage for low-income adults, children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with disabilities. Medicaid.gov reports that more than 80 million Americans are covered by Medicaid.3
Who is eligible for Medicaid?
Eligibility criteria for Medicaid varies state by state. Determining factors include household income, family size, age, and disability. You can take a quick screening on Healthcare.gov to see if you may qualify for Medicaid.
To qualify for full benefits, you must be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or have satisfactory immigration status.
Under the ACA, many states expanded Medicaid coverage to cover all people with a household income below a certain threshold. In these states, you can qualify for Medicaid if your household income is below 133% of the FPL.
However, 10 states have elected not to expand Medicaid coverage. These states are:
- Alabama
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Mississippi
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
In these states, eligibility criteria for Medicaid is stricter with much lower income limits.
Individuals who don’t qualify for Medicaid based on income should still apply, especially those who are pregnant, have children, or have a disability, as you may be eligible for these reasons.
There is no open enrollment period for Medicaid, and you can apply at any time of year. You can apply through the health insurance marketplace or through your state Medicaid agency.
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What is the lowest income to qualify for Medicaid?
In states that have expanded Medicaid coverage, individuals qualify for Medicaid if their household income is below 138% of the FPL.
These are the 2024 Federal Poverty guidelines:
| Number of people in family/household | Annual income |
| 1 | $15,060 |
| 2 | $20,440 |
| 3 | $25,820 |
| 4 | $31,200 |
| 5 | $36,580 |
| 6 | $41,960 |
| 7 | $47,340 |
| 8 | $52,720 |
* For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,380 for each additional person.
“Medicaid eligibility can be calculated based on monthly income, so if income temporarily drops to these levels, Medicaid can be available at that point even if the total annual income would be above those levels,” Norris says.
What does Medicaid cover?
Federal law requires states to provide certain mandatory benefits under Medicaid. These include:
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital services
- Doctor visits
- Laboratory and X-ray exams
- Home health services
It is up to the individual state to determine optional benefits, including prescription drugs, case management, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
Is there Medicaid for single mothers?
Yes, Medicaid is available for single mothers and children who qualify. Even if you are pregnant with your first child, you may be eligible. Medicaid coverage and options vary by state but the standard for determining eligibility is based on factors like:
- Income: Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) is the basis for determining financial eligibility (In general, families with children living at or below 133% of the FPL are covered, although some states allow for higher income levels)
- Government benefits: Those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are automatically eligible
- State residency: You must be a lawful resident of the state when you apply
- Citizenship: You must be a lawful citizen of the United States (includes lawful permanent residents and qualified non-citizens)
- Age: Those 65 and older may be automatically eligible, if they meet other requirements set by the state they live in
- Parenting status: You may be eligible if you are pregnant, a single parent, or a custodial co-parent
- Health needs: If you are disabled, blind or have significant health needs, you may qualify
To know specifics about your eligibility, learn how to apply for Medicaid or check with your state’s Medicaid agency.
Is there a pediatric Medicaid?
Yes, there is pediatric Medicaid in that Medicaid covers children, as does the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), although some states may call it by another name. If a pregnant mother qualifies for Medicaid, states can decide to cover the infant for up to one year after birth, even if the mother’s income or other eligibility factors change.
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3. CHIP for infants, children, teens and minors
What does CHIP stand for in healthcare? The Children’s Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, is another option for single moms to ensure health insurance for their children. CHIP provides health insurance for infants, kids, teens, and minors.
CHIP is a federal and state government program that provides healthcare for children of families who do not qualify for Medicaid but are unable to afford a private plan.
CHIP qualifications
- CHIP age limit: Under 19 years old
- Uninsured: Anyone who is uninsured and ineligible for Medicaid, not covered by a group plan or credible health insurance (Medicaid eligibility is based on factors like income, state residency, citizenship status, and in some cases age and medical condition so being ineligible means you do not meet certain criteria for benefits)
- Residency requirements: U.S. citizen or meet immigration requirements, resident of the state in which they apply
- CHIP income limits: Meet household income eligibility requirements, which vary by state. Some states offer CHIP for pregnant women and parents.
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, eligibility levels for CHIP range from 170% to 400% of the FPL, and vary by state. To see if your children qualify for CHIP, visit the Medicaid & CHIP Eligibility Levels page.
Families and individuals can apply online through healthcare.gov’s health insurance marketplace or by calling 800-318-2596. Like Medicaid, there is no limited enrollment period, so you can sign up for CHIP at any time of the year.
In every state, it's common for kids to be eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, while the parent is eligible for a subsidized private plan instead, Norris notes.
“So an application submitted through the exchange may result in various family members having different coverage,” she says. “But it will ensure everyone has the financial assistance they're eligible to receive.”
How much does CHIP care cost?
Routine wellness or dental visits are free to CHIP recipients. Other services may require a copay and some states require a monthly premium. Those premiums are different for each state, but the program caps monthly premiums as follows:
- If your household income is at or below 150% of the FPL, your premium can’t exceed the amount established by Medicaid4
- If your household income exceeds 150% of the FPL, your premium can’t be more than 5% of your annual household income
To learn about copay pricing for your state, check with your state CHIP office.
What is Kidcare CHIP?
Each state has its own name for CHIP. Some states, like Hawaii and Nebraska, simply call it CHIP. In Florida, it’s called KidCare. In Arizona, it’s called KidsCare. Check with your state Medicaid/CHIP office to learn what it is called in your state.
What is included in CHIP?
Benefits under CHIP vary by state. However, all states provide essential health care services through CHIP, including:
- Routine check ups
- Doctor visits
- Immunizations
- Prescription medications
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital care
- Dental and vision services
- Laboratory and X-ray services
- Emergency services
You can check online to see what services your state covers through CHIP.
Is CHIP in every state?
Yes, CHIP is available in every state. Those who meet eligibility requirements get access to state CHIP benefits.
Where do I find CHIP health providers?
To find CHIP health providers, you can:
- Call the number on your CHIP insurance card or eligibility letter
- Check your health plan’s website (Some states offer a provider directory online)
- Check with your state Medicaid/CHIP office
- Ask your preferred doctor or pharmacist if they accept CHIP
4. Family health insurance
For young adults who are single parents, staying on their family’s health insurance plan can be a viable option to ensure their coverage.
Under the ACA, children can stay on their parent’s health insurance plan until the age of 26. This includes children who are married and have kids of their own.
However, keep in mind that the health insurance coverage does not extend to your children in most states (Pennsylvania, as an exception, covers a child for 31 days after birth on the mother’s plan).
If you decide to go this route and you are not already on your parents’ plan, you will need to be added during the open enrollment period. Your parents can check with their employer to see when this period is.
Can you stay on your parents’ health insurance plan?
As long as your parent’s health insurance plan covers dependents, you can usually join or remain on their plan until the age of 26. This is an option even if you are:
- Married
- Living separately from your parents
- Not financially dependent on your parents
- Attending school
- Eligible for health insurance through your employer
- Have a child (though your child will need separate health insurance)
Once you turn 26, this coverage will end. When that happens, you will qualify for a special enrollment period through the health exchange on healthcare.gov.
5. How to find access to health care when you don’t have health insurance
If you are uninsured and do not qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, you can find free or low-cost healthcare at community health centers.
These centers can be found in both urban and rural communities and provide general primary care, prenatal care, immunizations for babies, and referrals to specialized care. Typically, you will be charged for these services based on your income.
The HHS Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) provides a directory of community health centers that operate on a sliding fee. You can receive care here even if you cannot pay.
Search “free walk-in clinics near me”
Another option is to simply search on Google. You can enter a search for “free walk-in clinics near me” or “community health clinic near me” to see where you can get free or low-cost health care in your area.
Go to an emergency room if there is a medical emergency
If you or your child is experiencing a medical emergency, go to your local emergency room. Federal law stipulates that anyone coming into an emergency department must be stabilized and treated, whether or not they have health insurance.
This means your family will be treated at the emergency room whether or not you can pay.
Health insurance FAQs
What health insurance terms should you know?
Premium – This is the amount you pay to have a health insurance plan. It is paid by the individual and/or employer monthly, quarterly, or yearly.
Copay – This is a fixed amount that you pay out of pocket for covered health care services. This amount can vary depending on the type of service and type of doctor you see.
Coinsurance – This is the amount of a covered health care service that you are responsible for paying after you’ve paid your deductible.
Deductible – This is the amount you owe for health care services covered by your plan before health insurance coverage begins. For example, if your deductible is $1,000, your health insurance coverage won’t kick in until you’ve paid $1,000 out of pocket for covered health services where the deductible applies. Note that certain services may not be subject to the deductible.
Out-of-pocket maximum – This is a set amount that will be the most you will pay during a policy period (typically a year) before your plan pays for 100% of services.
Prescription benefits – If your health plan has prescription benefits, this means you will get assistance in paying for prescription medications.
What is the free healthcare in the U.S. for low income?
Medicaid is a government program that provides free or low-cost health coverage for low-income adults, children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with disabilities.
CHIP is a federal and state government program that provides healthcare for families that do not qualify for Medicaid but are unable to afford a private plan.
What is the lowest income to qualify for Obamacare?
Obamacare is another word for the Affordable Care Act, so it includes private health insurance plans, which are often subsidized, as well as expanded Medicaid for low-income adults.
In most states (the 38 states where Medicaid has been expanded), adults are eligible for Medicaid with a household income of up to 138% of the poverty level. In 2024, that's $28,207 for a household of two, $35,632 for a household of three, and $43,056 for a household of four.
“If an exchange applicant is not eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, the eligibility determination system will then look to see whether they're eligible for premium tax credits to offset the cost of a private plan,” Norris explains.
How much is health insurance for a single mom?
A single mom can expect to pay an average of $1,997 per month for family health insurance. This number will vary based on factors like household income, age, and zip code.
What is the best health insurance for single moms?
“An ACA-compliant major medical health plan is by far the best option for people who aren't eligible for Medicaid, Medicare, or CHIP,” Norris says.
However, tThe best health insurance for a single mom will depend on her needs and budget. “The plan that works best for one mom won't be the best for another,” Norris says.
In general, plans with low premiums tend to have higher deductibles, and plans with higher premiums, lower deductibles. If you or a family member has a chronic medical condition that requires regular medical care, you may want to prioritize finding a plan with a lower deductible to save money in the long run.
What is an alternative to buying traditional health insurance?
“An ACA-compliant major medical health plan is by far the best option for people who aren't eligible for Medicaid, Medicare, or CHIP,” Norris says. “And premium tax credits are only available for major medical plans purchased through the exchange.”
If a person misses open enrollment, doesn't qualify for a special enrollment period and needs health insurance temporarily until the end of the year, Norris recommends short-term health insurance if you do not have pre-existing conditions.
Some people benefit from health care sharing ministry plans, often combined with direct primary care or a fixed indemnity plan.
However, these options typically require you to pay full-price for medical care up-front, and file a lot of paperwork for reimbursement, neither of which are a fit for every family.
Here are some more resources for low-income families and individuals:
Medicaid is a government program that provides free or low-cost health coverage for low-income adults, children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with disabilities.
Obamacare is another word for the Affordable Care Act, so it includes private health insurance plans, which are often subsidized, as well as expanded Medicaid for low-income adults. In most states (the 38 states where Medicaid has been expanded), adults are eligible for Medicaid with a household income of up to 138% of the poverty level. In 2024, that's $28,207 for a household of two, $35,632 for a household of three, and $43,056 for a household of four.
“An ACA-compliant major medical health plan is by far the best option for people who aren't eligible for Medicaid, Medicare, or CHIP,” Louise Norris, a licensed broker and analyst, says.
SOURCES
- “2023 Employer Health Benefits Survey” October 18, 2023. KFF https://www.kff.org/report-section/ehbs-2023-section-1-cost-of-health-insurance/
- “HHS Poverty Guidelines for 2024” January 17, 2024. ASPE https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines
- “October 2023 Medicaid & CHIP Enrollment Data Highlights” January 31, 2024. Medicaid.gov https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/program-information/medicaid-and-chip-enrollment-data/report-highlights/index.html
- “Cost Sharing” Medicaid.gov Accessed February 5, 2024. Medicaid.gov https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/cost-sharing/index.html
