How to make the most of expiring health coverage

The Associated Press/The Houston Chronicle: "Job loss or the fear of it has pushed more people to use their employer-sponsored health insurance before they lose it. Major health insurers have seen their medical costs rise in recent quarters, in part because people covered by employer-sponsored plans have rushed to use services before their benefits are cut off."

AP provides a list of things to consider when trying to make the most of coverage: have a routine physical to assess your general health, "invest in preventive medicine," such as flu shots, colon cancer screenings and mammograms, ask your doctor whether they might have discounts or special payment plans, plan ahead for your prescriptions and consider using COBRA to extend your benefits" (Murphy, 9/2).