• Health insurance alternatives exist for those who are unable to obtain coverage.doctor at work image by TEMISTOCLE LUCARELLI from Fotolia.com
  
  While many people have health insurance coverage through their employer, the unemployed, self-employed, and others find it difficult to obtain health care coverage due to increasing costs and preexisting conditions. Several medical insurance alternatives exist for those who are unable to purchase group coverage. These alternatives include a health savings account, COBRA, and short-term coverage.
  
  

COBRA

• The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA, provides extended group health coverage for a maximum of 36 months to people who left their jobs or experienced life-changing events such as a divorce or death. However, the insured pays for his or her entire coverage, which will increase monthly premiums.
  
  

Health Savings Account

• A Health Savings Account, or HSA, includes two key elements: a high-deductible insurance plan and a savings component that pays interest. This health insurance alternative withdraws a delegated amount from the person's paycheck before taxes and deposits it into the savings account. Funds may then be used for out-of-pocket costs such as co-payments and medical expenses.
  
  

Short-Term Coverage

• Short-term coverage can be provided for people who need a temporary health plan. Newly hired employees may require a temporary plan while waiting for group coverage with their employer to become effective. These plans typically provide coverage for a period of six months to one year and cover unexpected expenses such as emergency room visits and critical illness.