There are several ways you can obtain affordable, low cost health insurance. If you're employed, your employer may offer a group health insurance plan for employees. Married individuals can usually opt to be covered under their spouses' health insurance – their children can be covered, too. If you belong to a club or organization, you may be able to take advantage of group medical benefits offered by the club or organization. Of course, you may be able to afford an individual health insurance plan.

However, if none of these apply to you, and purchasing an individual health insurance plan isn't a financial option, perhaps it's time to contact your state's department of insurance. Most state's in America offer some sort of medical benefits package to residents who can't otherwise afford an affordable, low cost health insurance plan. Or, perhaps you can afford to purchase an individual health insurance plan, but are continually denied coverage due to a pre-existing health condition. Some states also offer health insurance plans for individuals in this situation, too.

Each state sets forth its own criteria for state-sponsored health care coverage eligibility. You may need to meet certain financial requirements, i.e., not make enough money to be considered able to purchase your own health insurance plan. You may need to have a certain number of individuals in your household, or you may need to have a certain number of dependents. If you're looking into a state-sponsored health care program because you haven't had success finding an independent health insurance plan due to a pre-existing health condition, you may need to show proof of a certain number of attempts before your state considers you eligible.

Remember, regardless of whether you're eligible for affordable, low cost health insurance from your state's health care program, your child or children may be eligible. Always find out your state's criteria for children eligibility, and make sure your children have adequate health coverage.