A job loss is always tough. In the US, the unemployment rate is still quite high. The experts tell us it will not go down soon. In addition to worry over money to pay bills, many people lose health insurance benefits when they lose their jobs.

We need to look at some ways to get health care and prescriptions when we are out of work. There are alternatives, but it can be stressful to find the right ones for our own situation. The best choice will depend upon your own unique situation, and it will also dpeend upon the resources that are open in your area.

Some employers must extend group medical for several months after an employee is terminated. You may have heard of COBRA health plan extensions before. This may be a good option, and it should be considered if a person or family needs group medical benefits.

However, now the unemployed person has to pay more for their coverage. They have to pay their old employee portion. But they also have to pay the employer portion and an administrative fee. Many terminated employees are shocked at the high bills they get to keep their group medical benefits.

Some individuals or families may have cheaper alternatives. There is a large and active private major medical market. The rates might even be much ess for healthier and younger families. However, private plans may not cover everything that a group plan covers.

Some people can get declined for individual health insurance because of a pre-existing health condition. This could be diabetes, high blood pressure, or even pregnancy! They may have to look for other options.

Each US state has a plan in place for people who cannot buy individual coverage because of a health issue. It can be a good option for people who cannot get other coverage, but it can also be expensive in some states. There is a new federal health plan that should have lower premiums, but it has not been fully implemeented yet in every area.

You should search for your state high risk pool website to learn more. They will have more details about the state plan, and they should also have updates about the new federal health reform plan.

If your income is very low because of a lost job, you may qualify for Medicaid. This is the federal heath insurance for low income people with few assets.

Children and pregnant women may be able to qualify for CHIPS. CHIPS is the children's health insurance plan for families with low to moderate incomes. The guideliness are not as tight as Medicaid, so it can even help many middle income families.

You may also get some help from a county hospital system. The Partnership for Prescription Assistance runs a website which helps people find low cost or free prescriptions. Their website, PPARX.org, is a great resource to find all sorts of medical help if you do not have much money.

It can be very tough to find the right health care when you lack health insurance. Some options are in place if you know where to look!