There are many ways you can lose your health insurance—including getting fired or laid off, early retirement, death of a working spouse, and divorce. Before you consider buying health coverage on your own, here’s what you’re legally entitled to:
COBRA.
Under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (COBRA), you must be offered temporary coverage at group rates through your employer’s plan if you lose your job—generally up to 18 months for you and eligible dependents. But you have to pay the full premium yourselfHIPAA.
If your coverage changes from one employer to the next, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 protects you from being denied coverage by the new employer for preexisting conditions. HIPAA will not help you, however, if your gap in coverage exceeds 63 days.

POOLS.
In most states you can now get coverage in a high-risk pool if you are sick and no private insurer will accept you for individual coverage. Eligibility requirements vary by state. Call your state department of insurance for more information.

MEDICAID.
If you are facing a serious health problem, you may be able to turn to this state-federal program. Medicaid provides coverage for people with few assets and low income based on federal poverty guidelines. Some states waive the income guidelines for those who are “medically needy.” To enroll in Medicaid, you must apply to your state department of social services.