If you need some additional help, contact a licensed independent insurance agent in your state at www.nahu.org/consumer/findagent.cfm.

Health savings accounts

If you're relatively healthy and don't spend a lot on medical care, a more affordable option is a health savings account (HSA).

How it works is you purchase a high-deductible (low-premium) health insurance policy with a deductible of at least $1,050 for an individual or $2,100 for a family. Then you open a HSA, which is a tax-sheltered savings account (similar to an IRA) that you can withdraw from, anytime, tax-free to pay for medical expenses that aren't covered by your high deductible health plan.

And, whatever money you don't use rolls over from year-to-year, providing you with a stash of cash for your later retirement years. Each year you can fund your HSA with tax-deductible contributions, which in 2006 can be up to the amount of the deductible, but not more than $2,700 for individuals or $5,450 for families. If you're 55 and older, you can make an additional contribution of $700. To find a HSA plan, visit www.hsainsider.com.

Short-term policies

If you're in need of temporary health coverage (one to 12 months) a short-term health insurance policy is another low-cost option to look into -- if you're healthy with no preexisting medical conditions. To get quotes and coverage details visit www.ehealthinsurance.com or call (800) 977-8860.

Savvy tip: If you're denied coverage because of a serious pre-existing medical condition, you may still be able to get coverage from a state assigned risk pool.

Thirty-three states currently provide high-risk pool coverage which you can apply for through an insurance agent or directly to the state. Coverage costs more than private coverage because all the people in the pool have serious medical problems, but rates are capped generally between 125 and 200 percent of the average individual market premium.

For more information on insurance for those who can't get individual coverage or to find out what your state offers, visit www.nahu.org/consumer/healthcare.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.savvysenior.org. Jim Miller is a regular contributor to NBC's Today Show and author of "The Savvy Senior" book.