Malik’s story: I’m young and I need health insurance | HealthCare.gov

August 30, 2013

Have you met Malik?

Malik is a 23 year old bartender and server who works in the restaurant industry.

He works on his feet all day and like millions of Americans, Malik does not have health insurance because he can’t afford it.

Can’t afford insurance. Can’t afford to miss work.

Malik shared his story with us:

“I hurt my foot pretty bad and I personally thought it was a fracture. I can’t afford to not go to work and not walk on it so I’ve just kind of struggled through it.

If I did have insurance, I would have gone to make sure that it wasn’t worse than I assumed it was.

Without insurance, a serious accident would pretty much turn my life upside down. It would probably set me back for life.

I feel like the Marketplace will help me achieve my goals. It’ll just be a load off my shoulders.”

How the Marketplace helps people like Malik

Malik may be able to get lower costs on a wide range of Marketplace health plans or he can purchase a “catastrophic” health plan available to people under 30.

In the Health Insurance Marketplace®, 15 preventive health services will be available to keep him healthy at no additional cost. And because of the health care law, he may be able to stay on a parent’s plan until he turns 26.

Mailk will be able to apply for coverage, compare plans, and enroll using his computer. If he has questions, he’ll be able to get real-time help over the phone or via live web chat.

Share your story

Malik is looking forward to seeing his options and enrolling in the Marketplace as soon as it’s up and running.

Find out how health care is changing – in 214 words.

And help us spread the word! Open enrollment begins on October 1, 2013. Coverage starts as soon as January 1, 2014.