Is Uber's Health Insurance Enough? What You Need to Know 6 ok

 Is Uber's Health Insurance Enough? What You Need to Know

Uber just announced that all of its drivers will be eligible to receive health insurance from one of four companies, with coverage starting this spring. The official launch date has not yet been announced, but it’s widely expected to be sometime in the next few months. Some details have also been released about how the insurance will be available to drivers, which I’ll talk about later in this article, but first let’s take a look at what Uber has revealed so far and what it means for drivers who currently work or plan on working with Uber in the future.

What does Uber's health insurance cover?

Uber health insurance, covers most medical and wellness benefits, including prescription drugs and lab services. UberHealth covers inpatient care at certain hospitals for all eligible members. When it comes to taking care of your health, it pays to have a plan--even if you don't plan on driving for Uber full-time. If you're just starting out with Uber or are looking to make the transition from another type of job, one option is Uber Health Insurance. Uber offers its drivers access to health coverage through an employer-sponsored program called UberHealth that can be used as supplemental coverage or their main coverage when they're not working for Uber. 

UberHealth covers inpatient care at certain hospitals for all eligible members--whether or not they have any other insurance, Medicaid eligibility status, or income level. 

Not only is this a great way to keep up with doctors' appointments and necessary prescriptions without paying out-of-pocket but being covered could also help cut down on lost wages while recovering from an illness (or another medical issue). 

So what are the benefits and downsides?

How much does it cost?

Uber health insurance is one of the most talked-about benefits offered by Uber, but the cost may not be what you expect. Uber offers medical transportation coverage for your ride, meaning that if you use Uber for medical appointments, it will cover the cost of your ride. However, you should know a few things before using Uber as your primary form of health care. 

The first thing many people don't know about uber medical transportation coverage is that it only covers the cost of a ride—not any other related expenses. This means that if you need help with directions or paperwork on your way to an appointment, you'll have to pay out-of-pocket for those services. 

Second, uber medical does not cover emergency rides in any situation.

Are there any exclusions?

Uber health rides and uber health phone numbers may not be enough for some drivers. The Affordable Care Act requires that companies of more than 50 full-time employees offer affordable, minimum essential coverage (Eligible Employee Coverage) for full-time employees who work at least 30 hours per week. Uber is notorious for hiring drivers as independent contractors, so it might not have a responsibility to offer benefits like a company would. This means that drivers will most likely need to get insured through the ACA marketplace instead. Plus, they are eligible for subsidies through Obamacare so rates can be relatively low.

How does it compare to other health insurance plans?

Uber health insurance does not cover prescription drugs, dental care, and other medical expenses, making it more expensive than many traditional health insurance plans. However, if you are rarely sick, Uber healthcare may still be your best bet. When compared to plans with similar coverage rates, the program covers a broader range of preventive services while also eliminating deductibles and copays. If you use the Uber ride-share service or have an associated Uber business like Uber Eats or Uber Freight--even just once a month--you can still be eligible for coverage under the plan!

However, there are some caveats--those looking for maternity benefits may find themselves out of luck here.

What do I need to do to sign up?

Uber has a range of products and prices, so it might seem tricky to figure out which one is right for you. It all comes down to what kind of services you want, the type of coverage you need, and how much you're willing to pay. Let's take a look at Uber Medical Transportation first. For this option, passengers are covered up to 80% of medical transportation fees if they get sick or injured on their way home from an appointment. The charge is covered as long as they're traveling in a licensed Uber or an eligible partner car (e.g., a personal vehicle). This includes any treatments associated with the incident that happen at the hospital after admission. Second, up is Uber for Medical Appointments.