Laid off? Cost-saving options for retaining insurance

Recessions deal laid-off employees a double whammy. Many not only lose their jobs but their coveted health care benefits as well. They are left with much more expensive options for paying for a visit to a doctor or dentist. And that just puts more pressure on them to find employment in a job market that is rapidly deteriorating, as in the current recession...

"We're concerned in this environment, with market conditions and the rise in unemployment, that people may be tempted to forgo obtaining insurance where they are required to, or to refrain from purchasing optional insurance where it might be in their best interest to do so," said Steven Nachman, an Insurance Department deputy superintendent... The message from insurance experts is this: Cut down, but not out. Here are some cost-saving options...

Newsday: Cost-saving options for retaining insurance