You can leverage health care coverage in 3 ways:

Through your place of work.

This is the least expensive way to gain insurance. If you work for a corporation, it may pay some or all of your monthly premium. big businesses have the negotiating power to provide lower premiums and better benefits. You probably will not be required to pass a health exam, and your preexisting ailments may be covered. You're also more likely to have a choice of services if you work for a big company.

Small businesses, on the other hand, are at a disadvantage in negotiating insurance coverage. They may have problems even obtaining coverage founded on the health history of one or more employees, and their cost per acqisition are likely to be more expensive. Some states have achieved laws that call for insurers to offer coverage to small groups within a set price range.

If you and your better half are both covered by insurance at your jobs, the insurance firms may coordinate your benefits. That means that whatever is not covered by one plan (your primary carrier) could be paid by the other--provided you and your spouse are each taken care of under the other's insurance policy. You may never have more than 100% of the cost of the program provided. Not all insurers have the same regulations, so check with your employee benefits counselor-at-law to see how benefits will be coordinated.

If you lose or leave your occupation, you have the option of extending your existing insurance monthly service for up to 18 months under The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (COBRA). The same law allows an job holders family to continue coverage for up to three years following death or divorce. COBRA permits you to continue your health care coverage at your former employer's group rate, plus a small (maximum of 2%) administrative fee. If you fail to pay the monthly costs, your coverage will be discontinued and you will not be able to reestablish it.

COBRA coverage ends when you start a new job with health benefits. The option to expand coverage under COBRA is critical if you cannot afford the high costs of an individual policy or if you have a preexisting consideration.

As an single person

If you are self-employed or not working, and are not covered by another family member's policy, you should purchase an individual health insurance policy. The premiums for individuals can be costly, even for the most basic services. The best advice is to comparison shop and buy the best coverage you can afford. Group insurance coverage may be available to members of certain trade or professional associations. A few states have 'risk pools,' which provide service to any person regardless of prior health problems. Check with your state insurance orgnaization if you are unable to obtain coverage on your own. Note that some preexisting conditions may not be covered under your individual health insurance service. Be sure to determine with your insurance provider what is and is not covered.

Medicare and Medigap insurance.

Once you are 65, you can obtain Medicare insurance policies from the federal government's health insurance service. You also may qualify if you have certain ailments. Medicare does not pay all of your expenses, and there are deductibles. Excluded are most nursing-home care or long-term care in the dwelling. Medicare Part D provides coverage for prescription drugs. Many people over 65 buy a Medigap insurance policy from a private insurer to supplement Medicare reportage.