Seek individual coverage when you're not covered by an employer health plan

Individual coverage from a commercial health insurance company works the same as health insurance provided by an employer. The only difference is that the individual pays the full premium. Health insurance plans in Oklahoma range from basic major medical coverage to full service plans that cover doctor office visits and prescriptions.

I recommend: The three largest private Oklahoma health insurance providers are Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Oklahoma, Humana One and Aetna. You can apply online with each company or request to be contacted by an agent. You'll find similar plans and costs with each one.

Compare Oklahoma health insurance plans online for ease in purchasing

Instead of contacting numerous companies, you can use a web-based service to compare, apply and purchase an individual health insurance plan.

I recommend: Get instant, free quotes at eHealthInsurance. Once you make a plan selection, you can complete the application and submit it with your first premium payment and any other required fees.

Obtain coverage even if you've been denied due to high-risk pre-existing conditions

Consumers who are considered uninsurable by Oklahoma health insurance carriers often find themselves unable to get insurance at the time they are in the greatest need.

I recommend: The Oklahoma High Risk Pool provides coverage for consumers who are either denied coverage or quoted extraordinarily high premiums by traditional health insurance companies. Unfortunately, you can't apply online to participate in the pool. You must contact the pool's third party administrator, Epoch Group, for more information and an application.

Provide health coverage to your employees even if you have a small business

Most small business owners find that it's not cost effective to offer group health plans to their employees. With only a few employees to share the cost, the premiums are more than the employer or employees can handle.

I recommend: Fortunately, Oklahoma offers a plan to help defray the costs of health care premiums for businesses with 50 or fewer employees. An employer can participate in the Insure Oklahoma/O-EPIC Employer-Sponsored Insurance plan. Insure Oklahoma also offers plans for individuals.

Check on state-sponsored coverage for low-come individuals and families

Individuals and families may qualify for a variety of health care services provided or sponsored by state agencies.

I recommend: The Oklahoma Health Care Authority administers a number of plans for low-income, uninsured Oklahomans. Child Health is for children 20 or younger. SoonerCare provides comprehensive medical coverage to eligible participants. Oklahoma Cares and SoonerPlan provide a variety of family planning and women's health services. Be aware that you must qualify for Medicaid to participate in some of these programs.