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What to do if you've lost your employer-sponsored health care

Priority Health says it's best not to go without
Posted at 8:06 PM, Mar 27, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-19 20:52:35-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — While companies big and small lay off workers to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic, many employees are losing their employer-sponsored health care coverage.

Marti Lolli, chief marketing officer at Priority Health, said it’s best not to be without coverage now, even if it’s something short-term.

“We want to make sure that we keep Michiganders covered, especially in the midst of a pandemic,” she told FOX 17 Friday. “You shouldn’t go without coverage. There’s too much risk.”

Priority has a number of short-term options, but Lolli said Michiganders can also opt for COBRA coverage or a Healthy Michiganplan – both good options during a time of unexpected job loss.

Priority Health has re-purposed much of their staff for the sole purpose of helping members pick the right plan for them or work with their existing plan to get the treatment they need while hospitals are flooded. They’ve also offered free virtual health and telehealth for acute services while hospitals are inundated.

Priority also helped lobby the state and federal government to open a special enrollment period. Lolli said they expected a special period to be opened soon, but it was unclear when that would be.

“We’re pretty confident they’re going to do that and that’s a good thing," said Lolli. "That really allows folks the opportunity who maybe were sitting on the sidelines and haven’t purchased coverage – because ‘I’m young, and I’m healthy. I’m invincible. I don’t need coverage’ – to now enroll in a plan.”

For more on Priority Health, click here.