For those that have health insurance, consider yourself lucky. In 2008, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) reported 43.6 million Americans under the age of 65 did not have any type of health coverage. That number is considerably higher with the downward spiral of our economy. As businesses fight to stay afloat, cutting health insurance coverage is an easy no-brainer way of saving money.

You tell yourself, that is okay, now. I am healthy and never really used that insurance before now. Health insurance is one of those benefits you really do not value until you lose it and are facing a health problem. For those who do not have health coverage, the out-of-pocket costs can add up quickly and send you to the bankrupt line real quick.

An average cost just to see a doctor in his office to get an evaluation can cost $150. If the doctor prescribes you a medication, it can cost you $50-$100 to get filled for one month at a minimum. This is for a one only time and does not include an ongoing health problem that requires more testing, seeing a specialists or taking a medication long-term.

A standard test called a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a common test that shows a digital image inside the body. This test can range from $400-$3500 just for a one time test. Add to this cost, the charges for the radiologists to read the MRI, send the results back to your family physician and then make a follow-up visit with your family physician to talk about the MRI. You are looking at a total costs ranging up to $5000.

Right now our President is looking to overhaul our health insurance. None of us really know what the answer is, but we all stand together knowing that our present situation is not all that great. Those of us working in the health field can preach preventive care, eating healthy, exercising and such. But as the past has shown us, many Americans do not think this way and tend to not deal with it until a health crisis hits them in the face. We are reactive when it comes to our health. A lot of people are getting rich from health problems here in the U.S. and when we look at who they are, it is startling. In 2008, the top 6 executives at Eli Lilly earned a whopping $48 million dollars between them. It appears that some benefit off of the health problems of others.

What to do if you find yourself losing your health insurance coverage? Do not be reactive when it comes to your health. Think smart and always make a plan. Unfortunately, health problems do ? One option is Cobra. This stands for Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act and allows you to continue your employers health coverage after you change or lost your job. This can also apply to children who are no longer full-time students or if you are getting a divorce. Cobra is only available if the employer has 20 or more employees. Cobra is very expensive, due to you have to pay out-of-pocket what your employer previously paid, but is a lifesaver if when facing a health problem. There are other options, some states offer health plans for the uninsured. For example, Indiana offers health coverage called, Indiana HIP for the uninsured. It is good health coverage based on your family size and income.

If you are facing losing your health coverage and do not know where to turn. There are many resources you can look at for help. Do the research and know all your options. For more info, go to www.askanursenow.info