Private insurance is often offered by employers; individuals may also purchase it on their own or through high-risk pools (a program for people who have problems getting health insurance).  High-risk pools to purchase health insurance are often the best way for people with significant health care expenses--for example, people who have severe chronic illness or who have survived cancer--to get health insurance because it can be very difficult for them to get the insurance they need and can afford.

Many states have health insurance assistance programs primarily for privately insured consumers.  These programs assist the uninsured secure individual or group insurance and help those with private insurance solve any problems getting necessary care.  They provide a range of services including advising individual consumers; investigating grievances; educating consumers; monitoring plans and providers; collecting data that can help policymakers, providers, and health plans; and representing consumers in the grievance and appeals process.

Residents of nursing homes, board and care homes, and assisted living facilities can contact a long-term care ombudsman program located in every state, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands.

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