Private insurance is the major health care system in this country. Public health care is only for retirees or indigent.

Most people have their private insurance through their employer and the employer might pay a portion of the premiums. Consequently, many employees do not know the real cost of the coverage until the company is no longer paying it - loss of job, etc.

An adequate plan will cost around $900 to $1,200 a month for family coverage. And still the insured will need to pay co-pays and deductibles.

With so many layoffs now I often have the responsiblity to tell employees being laid off what they will need to pay if they want to have medical insurance.

It is very difficult. I had an employee just last week call me frantic how he will provide medical care for his family if it will cost him over $900 a month. And he will only get about $2,000 in unemployment benefits.

The stimulus plan just passed by Congress has a provision that will pay 65% of the premiums for employees involuntarily terminated for nine months.

This will be a help.