America’s financial crisis has lead to a health insurance crisis too. Over 533,000 workers lost their jobs in November alone and 1.9 million so far this year, according to the U.S Department of Labour. For many labourers they now have to face the fear of living a life without health cover.

Mr Frazier who just lost his job stated that he had to drive more safely in case of a car accident which he would not be able to afford the medical bills for: “If my kid needs major surgery because something comes up, what do I do? I basically go bankrupt.”

In an attempt to defuse the situation, the federal government made health care provisions for laid – off workers through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) of 1985, which extends health insurance coverage from a former employer for 18 months.

However, in most cases COBRA costs just as much as the company’s subsidised insurance plan. With COBRA, the individual pays the entire premium without the company’s help. Therefore, the programme does not live it to its expectations.

Therefore, the best way to save money is to shop around as Reid Rasmussen, an insurance carrier said when comparing insurance to flavours: “Health insurance policies are like different flavours. Maybe the biggest company doesn't have the flavour for your situation.”