Sure the government would like you to believe that the unemployment rate is on the decline but it isn't and the more people that become unemployed the more need there is to find alternative health insurance solutions. While it would be ideal for everyone who was unemployed to purchase their own private pay health insurance plan this is nearly impossible for most people to accomplish. So what should you do if you find yourself unemployed and without health insurance for your family?

The first advise anyone should be getting is to immediately seek help from their local unemployment office for health insurance options that they qualify for. COBRA is required to be offered by an employer as an extension program should the employee become unemployed, but shows little regard for cost to the individual. Most people will accept the COBRA plan as a simple way to continue health insurance coverage.

The government is getting involved in the COBRA plans as well, adding extensions that will also help out the unemployed. This extends the benefits period to a longer stretch and also makes it more convenient to apply for and possible get government help in paying the premiums. As helpful as the COBRA extensions are they are still quite costly for most unemployment salaries to afford.

If you have a spouse or family member that has health insurance benefits through their work this may be an extra option for acquiring insurance or at least an option for some of your other family members. Many times once you become unemployed you may have to split up the family benefits in order to meet the needs of your reduced budget. If you have children they may be eligible for Medicaid coverage or for CHIP through your state and this can help you get them the coverage they need without having to pay out of pocket for it.

Regardless of the financial situation you are striving to overcome, the need for proper health insurance coverage for yourself and family is always a necessary must even in very difficult times that we must face from time to time. Find out through consultation of an insurance agent the facts about temporary and short term plans as well as catastrophic coverage plans.