If you are part of the growing ranks of the unemployed, it is likely that you also lost your health insurance coverage in the deal. With close to 50 million people under age 65 without medical insurance, this is a serious problem in this country. But with a little diligence and creativity, you can find the resources you need to protect your family until you find your next position.

Here are some tips for finding medical coverage in between jobs:

You may qualify for COBRA. Although this is likely to be a somewhat expensive option, it allows you to continue paying for coverage you had through your former employer, for up to 18 months. It may, however, be less expensive than many private healthcare plans, particularly considering that the government’s new stimulus package contains provisions for covering up to 65% of these costs for a 9 month period.

Transfer to a Community Health Center. Facilities of this type typically charge a flat fee of approximately $20 a visit, but you are unlikely to be turned away if you cannot pay the fee. These federally-funded health centers will care for you, even if you have no health insurance. You pay what you can afford, based on your income. For information and to find one in your area, go to findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.

Try Insure Kids Now. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this is a national campaign to link the nation’s uninsured children (from birth to age 18) with free and low-cost health insurance. The website lists the requirements for qualification for each individual state, but a family of 4 can typically qualify for insurance for their children if their income does not exceed approximately $34,000 annually.

Find assistance for prescription drugs at Rxassist.org. Patient assistance programs are run by pharmaceutical companies to provide free medications to people who cannot afford to buy their medicine.

Purchase short-term coverage. Also called a bridge policy, these are likely less expensive than a standard individual policy due to it’s limited life. Most major insurance companies offer these.

Discuss your situation with your Doctor. Many physicians will offer a sliding scale on fees for the non-insured, or may consider a payment plan.

State funded Medicaid Plans. Most people who qualify for these plans are extremely low-income families, but the guidelines vary from state to state. Visit www.cms.hhs.gov to investigate your specific state requirements.

If you’ve found yourself caught unaware without medical insurance, these tips can help you bridge the gap until you find your next job. Given that one medical calamity can wipe out an entire life savings, ensuring that you and your family are always protected is of vital importance.

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