The Associated Press released an article this week detailing the difference between affordable health insurance, and the "best" health insurance for someone who has recently become unemployed.

It's a valid issue, as unemployment rates rise, health care costs go up, and people hit the individual insurance market hoping to find an affordable health insurance policy to keep them and their loved ones safe.

But how many people can afford to go with COBRA, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, when such plans run about $400 per month for individuals, and $1,000 for families?

For those who can go to a trade organization or church group to join a large group plan that's a great avenue, as is Medicaid for those low-income families with children, but in today's market the best way to find an affordable health insurance plan is to shop around, and to be aggressive about it.

Some competitors will offer better deals and lower rates when they know your next stop is the competition. It's also wise to know what you'll need, and what will be covered. A single man, for instance, doesn't need maternity coverage. Meanwhile, it's important to have yearly checkups covered, but don't forget to look into the costs that could accrue should you be diagnosed with a serious illness or suffer an accident.

Educating yourself on the insurance market is the best way to find a plan you like at a price you can afford, and while COBRA can certainly offer good coverage to some people, those who are recently unemployed can rarely afford the price tag that comes with it.