With the drastic increases in health care expenses and insurance premiums, everyone is seeking a low-cost solution to their health care needs.

The truth is, despite what insurance companies try to advertise, there is no truly low-cost solution. Health insurance is simply more expensive than ever before, because healthcare is more expensive than ever before. The best thing you can do is to take care of your health, educate yourself on health care options, choose wisely and use your plan efficiently.

• Group Insurance. Finding group insurance generally offers you the most affordable rates. Group insurance can be purchased through, employers, business associations, local Chambers of Commerce, professional affiliations and buying clubs. In some states, risk pools exist to help individuals with pre-existing conditions.
  

• HMOs. HMOs have been criticized for the limited choices they sometimes offer. The fact of the matter is that the offer one of the most affordable types of health care. Some HMOs provide an outstanding quality of care.
  

• Catastrophic Coverage/Major Medical. If you can afford nothing else, at least purchase catastrophic coverage. This will help you in the event of a major illness or accident. Employers are increasingly combining these plans with Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA) in an effort to provide an affordable, comprehensive approach.
  

• Short-Term. If you are between jobs, consider short-term and temporary insurance options. You can generally find affordable rates on catastrophic coverage that can also be extended to your dependents.
  

(Almost) Free & Free Solutions

For those that meet certain eligibility requirements, federal and state subsidized programs exist to help special population groups meet their health needs. Even these programs are not always free, as they may require small co-payments ($5+) for treatments and visits.

• Medicare. This is federal assistance program for individuals over the age of 65, disabled individuals under the age of 65 and those with permanent kidney failure or Lou Gehrig's disease. For more on Medicare benefits, please visit the official Medicare website.
  

• Medicaid. This program is jointly funded by federal and state agencies. Pregnant women, children, teenagers, seniors, blind and disabled individuals that meet eligibility requirements are available to receive aid.
  

• Local Agencies. Every state has special insurance programs available to aid special populations and low-income individuals, especially those that are pregnant, woman, single parents, children, seniors or disabled. These vary by state and locality.
  

• Free Clinics. There are free clinics located throughout the nation that exist to service the un-insured. These clinics usually funded by metropolitan agencies. Desperately under-funded, they do their best to provide service with limited staff and resources. If you use these services, donate what you can to help out.
  

• Free Emergency Services. Most county and state hospitals will provide free emergency services to individuals meeting certain eligibility requirements. Necessary ongoing care may be provided under different eligibility requirements, culminating in high bills for the uninsured.
  

Whatever you do, don't go without health insurance. You may think you can't afford it--until you really need it.