Keeping insurance coverage current is important for all Americans, as it may make the difference between having to pay a large amount for a healthcare service and being able to simply focus on getting better rather than the monetary side of the equation. Healthcare coverage premiums have seen a sharp spike in recent years as diagnostic treatments have become more elaborate and expensive and Americans have begun to face a wide variety of health care problems. Now, not only do clients have to worry about having the right insurance to cover them in the event that they are injured on or off the job, but many Americans must worry about whether or not they will actually have a job in the long term. When searching for jobs, healthcare clients must ensure that they have a viable way to keep their coverage current and their bills paid for.

One of the most important aspects of keeping insurance current is a piece of government legislation known as COBRA. This act allows workers that have been downsized or let go for any reason other than gross negligence to keep their current health coverage offered through their employer but at a cost that is entirely borne by them. While this can seem like a substantial amount of money to pay out, the amount that is paid can only equal a certain amount of the total cost of the premium, as defined by the COBRA legislation. This COBRA extension of healthcare plans will typically be in force for a full year or until an employee is able to find another job. In certain situations, workers will be able to extend this coverage to eighteen months.

While Americans may find this coverage expensive, there are several reasons to keep coverage current as much as possible. When coverage "falls off" or is no longer in force, it can be more difficult for an employee to find new healthcare and get it up and running again. Getting a new healthcare plan may mean waiting periods and higher costs than a pre-existing plan, and any length of time that the plan can be extended for is worth taking advantage of. Letting a plan lapse will cost a client far less in fees and deductibles, but can be a serious financial strain if they suddenly become ill. A search for work could quickly turn into a desperate race to find funding for an illness, something that could have been avoided if healthcare coverage had been in place.

The federal government has taken several steps to make carrying valid healthcare easier when searching for jobs and the COBRA legislation is an excellent example.