Does anyone have information on getting group health insurance coverage outside of an employer?

[Wapsie B]

I was laid off late last month and have until the end of June on group coverage. I'm searching for coverage in the state of Illinois and have not had to consider being outside an employer's group policy for quite some time. What are the steps to go about getting coverage? Thanks so much for any help you can give.

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

1. Unless you belong to another group, you'll be looking for

individual coverage which is pricy. Take a look at ehealthinsurance.com to see what is avaiable in your area.

Are you eligible for the COBRA subsidy (you only pay 35%) ? I think it may have expired but your HR Dept should be able to advise on that.

[dflprincess]

4. The COBRA subsidy expired June 1, 2010

supposedly chances of getting it extended aren't good.

[Lasher]

2. If you're a vet, check with the VA.

Lots of vets get health care from the VA.

[mrmpa]

3. your current insurer

will contact you about plans that they offer. Anything however will be expensive.

[alfredo]

5. Try groups and organizations like labor unions

Maybe a credit union might help.

[Wapsie B]

6. Thank you everyone for your responses!

I'll look into some of those areas. I did talk to my present insurer about individual coverage and inquired about group coverage through Farm Bureau. I'll see about credit unions in the area. Amazing that in supposedly the greatest country in the world this goes on every day, and it simply shouldn't.