My situation is this:

I lost my job in 2001 after 36 years when my company closed its doors with absolutely no warning (I actually worked in Human Resources so I was privy to a lot of confidential information and supposedly we were only going to have a major layoff -- not a closure).

Due to some serious, chronic health problems at the time I lost my job, I was only able to find periodic work as a temp from then on. I have had to pay for private, direct pay for my health insurance for the last 8-9 years. Originally, I was paying about $350 a month and it has gone up every year to the point where it will be $1,138 in 2010.

About a year ago, I found a permanent, part-time job that allows me enough flexibility that I am able to work around my health issues. But because it's part-time, I am not entitled to any benefits. Between my salary and my small pension, I can pay my medical premium -- and I am very grateful that I can. BUT that is only because my DH's social security takes care of the rest of our bills.

I just wish that I had retiree medical benefits from my company (like soooo many people have). I have to admit that I am very jealous of my MIL who worked for the school system: she has the best retiree medical coverage. She pays $5 for prescriptions and then gets $6 reimbursed!! That's just nuts.

DH is disabled and gets medical care from the VA.