Under the new economic stimulus plan, the federal government will subsidize 65% of the cost of health insurance under COBRA for workers who have lost or may lose their jobs between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009. The stimulus package was signed into law on February 17.

COBRA, or the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, allows individuals who have been laid off to stay on employer-based health plans for up to 18 months after termination. Individuals who elect COBRA coverage must pay the share of the premium that they paid while working, as well as their employer’s share plus a 2% administrative charge. COBRA, for most, is too expensive and individuals usually elect to go without health insurance or buy an individual health insurance plan through a private health insurance carrier.

COBRA’s revision under the economic stimulus plan only allows individuals to stay on COBRA up to 9 months. So, what happens in 9 months when you no longer can benefit from COBRA coverage and your new job, if any, doesn’t provide employer based coverage? Individual health insurance plans from private health insurance brokers or carriers, such as Health Plan One, can help in providing affordable health insurance.

High deductible plans offer low premiums and work best for healthy people who don’t go to the doctor that often. Now why would you need insurance if you’re healthy? One reason, life is unpredictable. Sudden illnesses can occur as well as tragic accidents and there is no better way to prepare for what may or may not happen with a health insurance plan.

Health insurance isn’t something most college students think about because for most, they have been under their parents their whole life. But health insurance companies waste no time kicking you off your parents’ insurance the day you graduate college. Unless you are lucky enough to graduate college and have a job set up with benefits, chances are you will be scrambling around for health insurance.

When you graduate, there are definitely more important things on your mind than health insurance. For example, finding a job and/or finding a house. But have health insurance is vital and can help you in the long run. Of course, health insurance can be expensive and out of reach for many graduates who have a massive amount of student loans.

Here are a few options for coverage.

Short Term Health Insurance. Short term health plans cover you for about 12 months while you are looking for a job with benefits or another health insurance plan. They are available through private health insurance carriers and are designed to be flexible, allowing you to pay month to month and cancel at any time. This type of coverage normally does not cover preexisting conditions and most cannot be renewed.

High Deductible Health Insurance. Though an individual health plan may be out of financial reach for most college graduates, high deductible plans have lower premiums. Though they may not cover preventive services and prescription drugs, but if something were to happen to you it is smarter to have any plan than no health insurance at all. A little secret: the higher the deductible, the lower the premium.

COBRA. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act is a federal law that requires health insurance providers to continue coverage for up to 36 months for those who have been dropped from plans. This doesn’t only include employees, but also includes spouses and adult children. Under COBRA, the health insurance carrier continues to offer the same price that was offered to the employer. However, the employee usually pays for part of the fee. Under COBRA, the employer does not contribute therefore you or your parents have to pay for the full price of the premium.

Some states, though, make it easier for students to obtain health insurance. In New Jersey, insurers are required to allow adult children to stay on their parents’ plans until the age of 30 if they have no dependents and are residents of the state.

No matter what you are forced to do to obtain health insurance, do it. Without student health insurance, you’re going to end up owing a lot more than just student loans.

When the air gets cold, all you usually want to do is stay inside and curl up by the fireplace right? Well studies have shown that in the winter, when our bodies want to conserve energy as heat, we tend to eat a little more and become less active. This can leave you feeling tired and lethargic. Instead of hibernating, there are plenty of other things you can do with your time to both stay active and healthy.

Winter is the only time you get to enjoy the snow and the sports that are only possible with snow, unless you live in the Arctic.

Downhill Skiing. There are plenty of resorts throughout the U.S. where you can practice your skiing techniques. If you’re new to the sport, many of these sports offer lessons and camps.

Cross-country Skiing. As opposed to downhill skiing, cross country skiing is for skiers who enjoy travelling longer distances and climbing hills. Because of the difference in the skis used, any flat or near flat snowy surface can work.

Snowboarding. This sport has become more and more popular through the years. It is the “surfing” of winter. Like downhill skiing, many resorts offer both the equipment and lessons to snowboard. Snowboarding is definitely easier and more familiar to those who have surfed or skateboarded before.

Ice-skating. Whether you’re at your local rink, or a nearby pond, ice skating can be fun for the whole family.  Ice skating can burn up to 500 calories an hour and it sure doesn’t feel like working out at the gym.

As with all sports, it’s important to stay safe. Proper safety gear can be found at your local sporting goods store such as knee and elbow pads, helmets, and wrist guards. Also, stay warm. Layering clothing works best and winter clothing can usually be found at your sporting goods store as well. And don’t forget sunscreen. It may be cold outside and you may not be in your bathing suit, but snow acts as a reflecting agent and can intensify the sun rays on your skin.