Whether you're in between jobs or are moving from an old job into a new one, your health care needs probably won't change. But a change in employment brings new reasons for creating a health care budget.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

In between jobs
Life without health insurance can be stressful to say the least. If your previous employer provided you with health benefits, you're most likely eligible for COBRA temporary health insurance. However, you'll be paying the full cost of this insurance, not just a small part of it as in the past, so you may well experience serious "sticker shock."

If you're going to be between jobs for an extended period of time, take a look at self-insurance. An individual health plan with a high deductible is often the most affordable option – as with car insurance, a higher deductible plan usually has a lower premium. However, a high deductible means you need to have money in the bank for out-of-pocket costs. Use the Family Health Budget to get an accurate picture of your expenses so you can prepare for these costs and make the best decisions for you and your family.

Moving onward and upward
Making a move up the career ladder? Bringing home more income doesn't necessarily mean you need to buy more expensive health insurance or spend more on health care. In fact, it may give you the opportunity to pay less. Think about setting aside some of your extra income – either putting it in the bank or funding a tax-free Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Having money in the bank for health care costs gives you an extra cushion, so you can be more comfortable choosing a higher-deductible health plan … and that can save you money on premiums, giving you an even bigger paycheck.

A new job with some extra income can give you more options — and more ways to save for future health care needs. Use the Family Health Budget to get an accurate picture so you can weigh your options.

Think about a Health Savings Account
Money placed into a Health Savings Account (HSA) today can help you meet health care expenses when you're between jobs in the future, or if you leave a job to become self-employed or start your own business. These accounts let you set aside money tax-free and then use this money to purchase health care products and services. And if you're moving into a new, better-paying position, there's no better use for some of your new income than to put it into an interest-bearing spending account that's tax-free forever when you spend the money on health care.