Many jobless workers say they cannot afford the full premiums, which average more than $7,000 a year for families.

Previously the full premium was covered by the state.

Options buyers have to pay the full premium up front.

Of course, you or your parent must pay the full premium if you decide to extend the coverage.

But you will have to pay the full premium plus 2 percent for administrative costs, and the expense is often quite high.

Families above that level can join the program and pay the full premium themselves, which is still cheaper than most commercial plans.

For years the company paid the full premium.

Under the federal law known as Cobra, workers are allowed to continue policies for up to 18 months if they pay the full premiums.

If military service is longer, you and you family may be required to pay as much as 102 percent of the full premium for coverage.

No matter which plan you pick, you pay a full premium of about $45 a month.