Many of the former athletes did not qualify for state medical insurance because they have been too ill to work.

But he argues that the problem is not with state insurance, citing the failure of Federal regulators to stop the savings crisis.

Individuals covered by the state insurance would have to pay a premium, but it would be set according to the individual's income.

"I pay around $4,000 a year in contributions to the state medical insurance," said a civil servant who spoke on condition of anonymity.

You may want to contact your state insurance commissioner's office to ask about the law where you live.

If it is, check with your state insurance commissioner's office to see what your state law provides.

Tip Ask your state insurance commissioner's office about high-risk pools and individual insurance policies.

While governor, Gardner signed into law a health care program that provided state medical insurance for the working poor.

And Florida's state insurance has had to pay out so much in hurricane claims that it is operating in the red.

Each state insurance regulatory office can provide more information about these and other options.