Nearly 15% of the women in this age category who are divorced or widowed are without health insurance coverage.  That percentage increases to over 20% as you begin to look at the number of women in this age category who are no longer employed.

 One option for older women who are leaving the workforce is to continue their insurance coverage through COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act). 

 While the normal insurance extension lasts only 18 months for most employees, widowed and divorced women can use COBRA for up to 36 months.  The biggest drawback is cost.  You are expected to pay 102% of the full cost of the coverage. 

 Still, it may be less costly than going outside of a group setting and trying to find individualized health insurance.  Also, you may find that because of your health history, companies are not eager to enroll you in their plan, so staying on COBRA may be your only option.

 Even when individualized policies are available, the scope of the policy is usually limited in coverage, and sometimes makes you wonder if the premiums are worth the benefits.  You may be better off purchasing a Major Medical policy that covers catastrophic illnesses or events.