Finding Health Care Coverage While You Continue Your Job Search - Options for the Unemployed

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/xj/ar5d2vk6jz0whxymc9xj.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/xj/ar5d2vk6jz0whxymc9xj.gif" vr="true" /></a><br /></div><br />When you are looking for work, there are a number of important things to think about that can help you find your next job. What opportunities are the best fit for your abilities and experience? How can you stay connected to your important references? Are you able to improve the job skills that you have, or develop new ones? <br /><br />When you are so focused on finding your next job, you might neglect something that is always important: your health. And if you've lost your job, you might not have access to the benefits you used to have with your employer, including health insurance. Unfortunately, this is a problem that more individuals are facing with the rising unemployment rate, which reached 9.8 percent in September 2009.<br /><br />In order to help protect your personal and family health and financial security, it's essential to find health care coverage during this time. There are a couple of important options you can consider in this situation, as well as some general tips that can help guide whatever decision you make.<br /><br />Individual Health Insurance Plans<br /><br />Because most people receive health insurance through their jobs, they are not familiar with individual insurance plans. A 2009 Aetna survey of recently unemployed professionals conducted by Linescale Research found that, 69 percent of people had never heard of individual health insurance plans or did not know much about them. <br /><br />These plans come in all shapes and sizes. You can purchase comprehensive coverage for you and your family that may look very similar to what was offered through your previous employer, or choose a lower level of coverage for a more affordable price. In terms of cost, what you pay is based on the type of plan you want, your age, where you live and your health. Some plans for children and young adults can start with a premium as low as $40 a month and there are quite a few that can be found with premiums for under $100 a month. Individual health insurance plans may be subject to medical underwriting and other restrictions.<br /><br />Almost all insurers have Web sites. For example, Aetna has a Web site (http://www.aetna.com/members/individuals/health/aetnahealthnow/select.html) where you can research plans using an interactive advisor named David, get quotes and even apply online.<br /><br />In addition, there are also Web sites like eHealthInsurance.com that let you compare plans where you live. You can also contact a local broker who can help answer any questions you might have when comparing plans.<br /><br />COBRA<br /><br />Depending on your employer, you may be eligible to continue receiving health insurance through your employer through something called COBRA coverage. This can cover you for up to 18 months after losing a job.<br /><br />While the Aetna survey found that more people were aware of this option than they were of individual coverage availability, there was a lot of confusion over the cost. The typical cost of COBRA coverage can be as much as 102 percent of the total premium, which is the actual cost of the plan and not just the amount an employee contributes to the premium. Without an employer contributing a portion of the premium payments, paying double or more is not unheard of for an individual to keep the same health insurance coverage.<br /><br />As part of the national economic stimulus package, people who were involuntarily terminated (or may lose their jobs) between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009 and who elect COBRA coverage may be eligible to receive a 65 percent subsidy of the total COBRA premium for up to nine months.<br /><br />These changes are a positive temporary solution and will make COBRA coverage more affordable for eligible consumers. Even with this subsidy, however, consumers may still be able to find individual health insurance plans that are less expensive and fit their budgets better.<br /><br />You can visit the U.S. Department of Labor Web site at www.dol.gov to learn more about these changes.<br /><br />Questions to Consider<br /><br />While individual health insurance plans and COBRA are two important options to think about, every person has a distinct situation. When making this decision, there are three questions that anyone can use to figure out the most appropriate health plan for his or her unique needs.<br /><br />1. How long do you expect to go without insurance? Not having insurance for a few months is very different from not having it for a few years.<br /><br />2. How much coverage do you need? A young man looking for his first job and a mother of two who owns her own business will make very different choices. <br /><br />3. How much do you want to pay? A lower premium (the amount you pay each month) might seem to be the best way to save a few bucks. Just be sure to find out how much more you will have to pay if something happens to you.<br /><br />Just like when you are searching for a job, knowing the different options that are out there and the right questions to ask is a key to finding the best health insurance option. <br /><br />By Frank McCauley head of Aetna's Consumer Business Segment, which offers health insurance products directly to individuals and their families.

Finding Health Care Coverage While You Continue Your Job Search - Options for the Unemployed

When you are looking for work, there are a number of important things to think about that can help you find your next job. What opportunities are the best fit for your abilities and experience? How can you stay connected to your important references?…

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How to Network Without Being Phony, Lame or Desperate

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/cf/ar5f3l06kd216nc9rvcf.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/cf/ar5f3l06kd216nc9rvcf.gif" vr="true" /></a><br /></div>Let's face it: Even when you're on top of the world, chances are good that the idea of networking sounds like a big, fat drag. You can probably think of 100 other things you'd rather do -- like cleaning the blades of your ceiling fan. But if you're one of the 14.9 million who are competing for what seems to be a handful of jobs, your confidence has probably taken a hit. So now is probably not the time to be meeting anyone new. In fact, now is not the time to get out of your pajamas. <br /><br />Ah. But it is. Networking is the single most valuable thing you can do with all this free time you've got now. It will help you build the relationships that will stay with you for the rest of your career. You will learn more about your profession, industry and community. It will protect you from becoming an out-of-touch doofus. And, best of all, it will put you in front of people who have leads on jobs that haven't been published yet (the hidden job market). Through active networking, you could be the only candidate who is considered for that great job. Why? Because you got there first. Networking will do that for you. So while you change your clothes, change your mind about networking too! Here's how:<br /><br />Remember there's nothing phony, lame or desperate about being out of a job.<br />With so many people who have been laid off, people are expecting to hear from you and help you. Call them.<br /><br />Change your mind about what you're networking for.<br />If you think that one meeting this afternoon is going to land you a job, you're going to sound desperate. Each meeting is a chance to tell your story about what you do and who would benefit from your talent. So try to relax and take each meeting as it comes. Some that you have high expectations for will turn out to be duds. Some that you think will be long-shots will be gold mines. You're networking not to land a job but to meet people, who will then introduce you to others, who will then introduce you to still others -- one of whom will one day say, "When can you start?"<br /><br />Remember that it's not all about you.<br />You're meeting because the two of you have something in common (similar job title, shared interest in the profession, industry or community, the person works in a company that interests you). Focus on that commonality and explore possibilities that spring from that commonality. Truly listen to what that person is saying, don't just wait until their lips stop moving so you can start talking yourself.<br /><br />Be yourself.<br />That is, be your best self. Don't be the self that wants to stay home in your pajamas, hugging a pint of Ben and Jerry's tight. Be the self who is at the top of your professional game, with a wealth of value to still deliver to the world, with a track record of successes that you still keep top of mind.<br /><br />Tell your story without the usual job -search downers.<br />If your story tends to end with, "And then I got laid off," you might want to rewrite your script. Focus on your accomplishments and the fact that people noticed your potential throughout your career. Be real about how it is you're between jobs right now, just like "a lot of really great people these days" (use those words). And then immediately ask your networking partner a question about the company, industry trends, anything that shows you're still a player in your field and ready to start contributing again.<br /><br />Have a full calendar. <br />No networking meeting should ever be the last networking meeting you have scheduled. Always have something else (lots of something else's) lined up. No one wants to be anyone's last, best hope.<br /><br />Have an agenda.<br />Many job seekers only have a vague notion of what to talk about in a networking meeting so networking becomes synonymous with small-talk. Small-talk does not impress anybody unless you're looking for a hostess job. Spend two minutes talking about your background, 15-30 minutes talking about the jobs and employers on your target list, and the rest of the time talking current trends in the industry. Don't forget, like any good business meeting, end it on time. Don't dawdle. Don't linger. Don't ask for that second cup of coffee. Get out politely, but get out. <br /><br />Thank your networking partner immediately afterward and confirm you'll stay in touch.<br />It's amazing how few people actually do this. Stand out! Send a note. Send an e-mail. Say thank you. And report back on how you followed up on all that great advice you just got. Keep that person informed of your progress. And you'll continue to have a lively network of people who care about you and respect you for the rest of your career.<br /><br />Pay it back. <br />You may be out of work. But you still have all your resources. Use them to help others in or out of the job search.<br /><br />By Duncan Mathison and Martha I. Finney authors of the book, Unlock the Hidden Job Market (FT Press, 2009). For more information or to contact the authors directly, visit www.unlockthehiddenjobmarket.com.

How to Network Without Being Phony, Lame or Desperate

Let's face it: Even when you're on top of the world, chances are good that the idea of networking sounds like a big, fat drag. You can probably think of 100 other things you'd rather do -- like cleaning the blades of your ceiling fan. But if you're o…

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Secrets for an Effective Job Search: Turn a Cold Call Into a Warm Call

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/l8/ar5f2p26pybd231bqxl8.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/l8/ar5f2p26pybd231bqxl8.gif" vr="true" /></a><br /></div>There are few things job seekers dread more than making cold calls. However, if you are serious about finding a job -- and in these tough times, you have to be -- it is pretty much a requirement. You might just land the perfect opportunity as a result of speaking with people you don't know very well (or even at all) who can support you in your job search. At first, cold calling can feel like "picking up a 10,000-pound telephone," but that is something you must overcome.<br /><br />Fear is probably the No.1 reason people avoid making telephone calls as part of a job search. Fear and faith make poor roommates because one dispels the other. Nobody wants to get a rejection in real time. However, like they say in sports -- you miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take, so you might as well give it a go. Employers expect these kinds of calls as part of their job and are usually willing to talk to callers. Good companies and managers are always interested in talented candidates, even if they aren't referred to them by a recruiter or human resources. Here are some tips for when it's time to reach out:<br /><br />1. Write a script for improved effectiveness.<br />· Outline what you want to get across on the telephone to give you the advantage of a polished message. The time to rehearse is not when you are talking to your contact. <br /><br />· Time yourself not to exceed 60 seconds. Practice a 10-20 second version, better known as an elevator pitch. <br /><br />· Make your first impression a good one. Sound energetic and enthusiastic, even if you're feeling discouraged. Fake it until you make it. <br /><br />2. Getting past the telephone gatekeeper<br />The first person to answer the telephone may be a receptionist or "gatekeeper" and requires diplomacy. You have to find the right balance between being blunt and being dishonest. <br /><br />Example: "Hello, my name is Susan Jones. Would you please tell me the name of the manager involved in your company's hiring decisions?" When you are ready, call and ask to speak to the manager by name. If the greeter asks you about the nature of your call, simply tell him or her that you want to address a letter to the manager with information that may be of interest. Also, be sure to ask for the correct spelling of that manager's name. <br /><br />3. Voice message<br />If you must leave a message after a few unsuccessful attempts at getting in touch with the hiring manager, leave a brief message. <br /><br />Example: "I would like to talk with you about my qualifications for the program director position and learn whether there might be a mutual interest in my candidacy." <br /><br />· Use the name of the person who referred you, if possible. <br /><br />· Avoid phone tag by offering two proposed times. Ask them to call again to confirm. <br /><br />· Recite your name and telephone number slowly. Saying this information too quickly may cost you a call back. <br /><br />· Be prepared for an interview over the phone.<br /><br />· You may be able to reach the executive before or after regular nine-to-five office hours. <br /><br />· It is acceptable to leave up to about three or four voice mails for which your persistence may pay off. You may lose a job opportunity waiting for an employer to return your call. Someone who is clearly interested will get the job instead. <br /><br />4. Phone interview<br />If and when you finally do get the hiring manager on the phone, it is much more impressive if you can connect with him or her on a personal level. Breaking the ice before the call has even begun is a great way to relieve tension for both parties.<br /><br />· Perform research to reference something unique about the company or the individual of interest. This allows you to differentiate yourself from other applicants. <br /><br />· Reach out to individuals on LinkedIn and other social networking sites that serve as a bridge to cold-calling and the desired face-to-face conversations. Work up to meeting with people after developing relationships through e-mail and discussions on the internet. This is a "safe" way to develop relationships.<br /><br />· Go one step warmer. Find a connection between you and the person you want to reach. Begin with people within organizations who can be helpful without asking for a job. Request an introduction, advice on your resume, or if you can job shadow to better understand the expectations for the job title.<br /><br />In summary, engage in these activities to help transform discouragement into hope that you will land another job. Expect some discouraging periods at times, but that is not permission to give in to them and just stop. Feel the fear and "pick up the 10,000 pound telephone" anyway. Show courage in the midst of feeling fear. Our greatest challenges are usually the means that give way to significant professional growth. Your future work is ahead of you and you must move forward to reach your goals. Keep a spirit of hope in the present; if you were happy in the past you can create a happy work environment again. <br /><br />Linda K. Rolie (lindarolie.com), author of "GETTING BACK To WORK - Everything You Need to Bounce Back and Get a Job After a Layoff" (McGraw-Hill, 2009)

Secrets for an Effective Job Search: Turn a Cold Call Into a Warm Call

There are few things job seekers dread more than making cold calls. However, if you are serious about finding a job -- and in these tough times, you have to be -- it is pretty much a requirement. You might just land the perfect opportunity as a resul…

Read more »