Why are premiums higher if I don’t have a job?

Age: 30

Gender: Female

Income: $4000/year

I'm going to be enrolling for insurance in the US for the first time in my life. Formerly I lived in two different European countries and the health insurance was much more straightforward.

In the HealthCare.gov website, when I put down my honest income for 2024, which was about $4000, all the premiums are at least $455/month. The plan I'd like to purchase is $1,325/month.

Out of curiosity, I went back to the income question and put down $30,000 as my income. With this income, the cheapest premiums were $0.00.

I haven't worked much this year due to tremendous mental health struggles. I've been living off of savings and have made a lot of progress with my mental health, but I don't see myself getting a full-time job within the next 6 months. Most likely I will get a part-time job.

I can't afford premiums of $455+/month, much less $1300+/month. But I need health insurance.

Is there something I'm not understanding? Thank you in advance.

submitted by /u/makikavagyok
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