What should you do about health insurance if you lose your job?

You'll need to shop carefully, and decide based on available coverages and the price tag.

The U.S. Department of Labor suggests that enrolling in another group plan, say through your spouse's employer, may be one of your cheapest options. Examine whether you might be eligible for "special enrollment" under the plan regardless of enrollment periods. If so, you must request enrollment within 30 days of losing eligibility for other coverage.

Once you formally make the request, coverage must be made effective to you no later than the first day of the following month.

If your employer offers a group health plan, you might be able to continue your coverage at the group rate under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). Beware that the cost may be prohibitive, because you'll probably not only be picking up your tab, but also the portion of the tab normally paid by your employer. Also, only employers with at least 20 employees generally may be required to offer this option.

If you do qualify, sit tight. Additional financial help is on the way.

The Economic Stimulus Package, just signed by President Barack Obama, includes a provision to cover 65 percent of the total cost of your COBRA premium for the first nine months. The help is expected to apply to those who lost jobs from last Sept. 1 through this year. If you were out of work after September but didn't select COBRA coverage, you should have 60 days to sign up.

Investigate whether you qualify for health benefits under any government or charitable programs. If you're in a low-income household, have special needs, have children, are more than 65 years old or disabled, for example, you may qualify for health coverage through a government program. Check with your city, county and state health departments. You often can get pointed in the right direction at 1-800-MEDICARE or the area agency on aging.

Even with the substantial subsidy proposed by the Obama administration's stimulus package, the premiums for COBRA may cost more than private health insurance. So you'll also want to check with an independent insurance agent or go to Web sites such as ehealthinsurance.com or GoHealthInsurance.com for comparable quotes. Consider, however, that not all insurers may be in these search engines.

For example, in searches we conducted, we were unable to find information on some of the most affordable Blue Cross Blue Shield programs.

Some state insurance departments may have information on provider rates as well as additional tips to find coverage. Find your state insurance regulator at www.naic.org. You'll also want to check in with your state insurance regulator for any complaints or enforcement actions against a provider you're considering. Although complaints also may be tracked at www.naic.org, we found information on that site old and difficult to navigate.

Be sure you explore all types of plans. Even if you have a pre-existing condition, you may qualify for guaranteed access to coverage.

Consider whether plans for individual family members are less expensive and more comprehensive than a family plan or vice versa. Temporary policies for workers who anticipate being employed shortly may save money. In addition, high-deductible plans that have lower premiums can provide a low-cost bridge until you find a new job with benefits.

Health Maintenance Organizations may cost the least in out-of-pocket medical expenses. However, to obtain free or low-cost service, you'll probably need to select your doctor from a network of those covered by your plan. Also, many HMOs require you to get referrals to a specialist from a primary care physician.