SPRINGFIELD -- The recent spike in the number of unemployed people has caused a spike in the number of people who don’t have health insurance. Many people, now months removed from benefits, are looking at their options.

The economic slide started months ago. Almost immediately, the healthcare industry felt the impact. Now many are looking for insurance, even if that comes before getting a job.

Similar stories echo throughout the Missouri Career Center.

"I was downsized from my job.”

"In February, my position was eliminated."

For Debbie Nelson, and many others, first came no income and then came no insurance.

"It's a nightmare."

Nelson has been out of work for nearly four months. She used to work for an insurance company.

"Which is even more ironic to me, almost,” she said.

She was contributing around $150 a month for coverage. When her employer insurance dropped, the federal COBRA program made the same insurance coverage available to her.

"But it was $500 per month."

That’s pretty much everything she collects in unemployment payments. She's not alone.

"It was a little less than a year ago when we broke ground."

On Friday, Mercy Health Plans dedicated a new building, one constructed since the economic downturn, because more people are seeking health insurance.

"When someone loses employment, they lose employee health insurance,” said Bob Vogel, president and chief executive officer of Mercy Health Plans.

Mercy Health Plans reports adding about 1,000 new individual members each month for the last six months -- those who have found that option better than the alternatives.

"I'm left in a quandary as to what the best option is,” said Nelson.

Nelson has some time left on COBRA, most of which she spends improving her skills at the Career Center. She hopes the hours here will make her more marketable, pushing her closer to a new job and an affordable health plan.

"It's overwhelming to be in this position,” she said.

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Several Web sites are available if you'd like to learn more about the options available.

coxhealthplans.com

mercyhealthplans.com

insureme.com

ehealthinsurance.com

NeedyMeds.com