What insurance options are there for college grads?!

What insurance options are there for college grads?

As a recent graduate I am out of school, off of my parent's plan and not working yet. I am in the process of finding a job but would really like to see a doctor desperately because I am having a ton of anxiety and I know I need help. I live in NJ. Does anyone know of what health insurance options could be available for me? Is there free or very low cost coverage I can deal with later when I get a job?

5 days ago
i've had anxiety problems since i was younger but the stress of being a college grad, i think, is getting to me the most. try not to assume i'm doing nothing to find a job. i'm looking every day, and i even have an online portfolio. but there are days i cant even go outside because my anxiety is so bad i cant even breathe. i'm worried my anxiety might even hinder my efforts. its worse than i'm letting you know here.

if you can't contribute an answer besides "get a job" please don't bother.

Insurance companies will not write a regular policy for someone unemployed because they know you're probably going to get an employer sponsored plan soon. You're only option for insurance is to get a short term medical. However, these plans are only designed to protect against catastrophic illness or accident and will not cover pre-existing conditions nor do they cover a basic doctor visit such as what you want.

Your only other option is a medical discount card. Be very wary of these cards; most are scams. They are not regulated by the Department of Insurance nor do the people that sell them need to be licensed. This means you have little recourse when you have problems with the plan. If you are tempted by the low price and claims of “save up to 80%” be aware that very few doctors actually take these cards. It does you little good if you have to drive 4 hours to find a doctor that will accept the card. One state couldn’t find any doctors in that state that took the card and only one dentist who was on probation for unlawful activities so they banned the sale of the card. See this link http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/wes... for more information. Many other states are starting to ban these cards.

Before signing up (or sending any money) with any discount plan get a list of doctors. If they won’t give you a list consider it to be a scam. Call the doctors on the list to make sure they’re still taking the card (many don’t even know that they’re listed as a provider) and that they’re accepting new patients. If you are unable to find a doctor do not buy the card.