If you're among the growing numbers of working families in America who no longer receive health insurance coverage on the job, you may find yourself in need of purchasing your own health insurance.

First, if you are changing jobs—or losing one—you may be eligible to maintain your coverage under your employer's plan. To learn about what rights you have to maintain your health insurance, see Protecting your health benefit rights.

Some states offer guidance and special programs for individuals who are purchasing their own health insurance. To find out more or for information about or problems with health insurance companies and policies in your state, see State Insurance Departments.

Visit the healthinsuranceinfo.net website and you'll find a "Consumer Guide for Getting and Keeping Health Insurance" for each state and the District of Columbia. The guides and website are produced by Georgetown University's Institute for Health Care Research and Policy.

A wide range of additional resources on obtaining insurance can be found at About.com's Health and Dental Insurance webpage.

Information is also available at insurancevalues.com, a website by the online Health Insurance Resource Center for individuals, the self-employed and small businesses.

For more tips and suggestions on selecting the health plan that's right for you, see the resources listed in Choosing a health plan.