It is always best to ask your insurance company or your employer for help answering your questions or solving your insurance problems. If this does not work, though, there are other resources.

Your state insurance commissioner is always a good place to begin. They can help you understand state laws and programs and direct you to other sources of assistance. They also can help you figure out whether your plan is one that they regulate. (See page 21 for contact information.) The United States Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) regulates group health plans sponsored by employers in the private sector. EBSA's Web site and publications provide consumers with important information about protecting personal rights to health-care coverage. Visit www.dol.gov/ebsa/consumer_info_health.html or call EBSA's Employee and Employer Hotline at 866.444.EBSA (3272) for free copies of these booklets:

• Health Benefits Under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)
• Questions and Answers: Recent Changes in Health Care Law
• Pension and Health Care Coverage Questions and Answers for Dislocated Workers
• Health Benefits for Women

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regulates HIPAA and COBRA compliance by group health plans sponsored by state and local governments. In addition, it runs the Medicare program and works with states on Medicaid programs. For more information contact CMS at 877.267.2323 or visit www.cms.gov.

Researchers at Georgetown University have written health insurance consumer guides for getting and keeping health insurance for every state. To read or download the free guide for your state visit www.healthinsuranceinfo.net.

Finally, many consumer groups such as the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship may offer assistance. For very complicated problems, you may need to consult a lawyer or another expert for professional advice and help. Or you may want to ask a friend to help you make some of these calls, gather information, and keep track of the paperwork. If a professional is needed, however, make sure he or she has expertise in health insurance (not all lawyers or accountants do). Health insurance can be complicated and frustrating, but you are not alone. Be persistent and take advantage of the help that is available for you.

Contact information for state health insurance regulators

States with external appeal programs (as of 2006)

Medigap Plan Benefits (as of 2006)