Plenty of people have been whining publicly that they can’t afford health care insurance, some of whom I know. I’m talking about fairly young, reasonably healthy men and women with decent jobs who think the government should step in. Consequently, I sought out a solution at the grassroots level to see if I could help, and in the process, avoid a costly federal mandate.

Turns out it was easier to get health insurance than one might think. That’s right, an American who wants health insurance has a sure fire way to get it. Here’s how.

I started in my own neighborhood, a working class suburb of a major American city. In less than ten minutes of walking in each of several different directions, I found the following: two huge grocery stores, three convenience stores, two gas stations, three small restaurants, an auto body shop, a veterinarian’s office, a machine shop, and a car wash. All of these establishments had one thing in common: they were hiring. When asked if experience was necessary, the answer was no. These were all entry-level positions, training provided, and the pay was minimum wage or slightly higher. Schedules were flexible, including weekends, nights, and part-time. A willing candidate could start in a matter of days.

Thinking of the couple of guys I know who say they can’t afford health insurance, I asked if any coverage was available. No, health insurance was not provided in most every case. Big problem, right? Wrong. I asked another question, would it be possible to work two shifts a week, Saturday and Sunday for 8 hours each. Yes, that was acceptable, at the convenience stores, restaurants, and gas stations. The body shop had only Saturday work but the man in charge said he might have as much as ten hours. Imagine all these jobs within an easy walk of home!

Well, health insurance was at hand. You may be thinking, “Hold on. These employers don’t offer it.” That’s right, they don’t. However, the job does. Here’s how. Let’s say one of my pals takes the job at the convenience store. He works 16 hours each weekend for $7.25 per hour. Payroll and other taxes should leave him about $6 per hour or $96 per week. Multiply that by 4 to get $384 per month. Remember, he can walk to this job so his other expenses are limited to shoe leather. Next I called up the local affiliates of Blue Cross/Blue Shield, a well known health insurance provider in my area. Do you have policies for single or married people that cost $384 or less per month? Yes, said the agent, quite a few.

The plans that cost $384 or less are not the Cadillac plans enjoyed by union employees at General Motors. However, they go a long way to cover expensive medical bills. Some have deductibles of $500 per incident and/or a $30 co-pay for doctor visits. They offer some prescription drug coverage, too, and pre-existing conditions are covered after one year. At any rate, under these policies, if you have a heart attack, or drop a brick on your foot, or come down with lung cancer you will have coverage.

The best part: NO NEED TO INVOLVE THE GOVERNMENT.

The worst part: A commitment of 16 hours per week.

No doubt, it’s going to take away some of that weekend fun. You won’t be headed out fishing with your buddies, or going to the game, or sitting around in your boxer shorts watching reruns of Lost. On the bright side, you may meet new people on the job in the form of customers and co-workers. Depending on which job is selected, you may learn new skills along the way. The point is, health insurance can be purchased by working, not by demanding that someone else GIVE it to you via the government.

Furthermore, there are other reasons for going the route I have explored. If you do well and work your way into a raise or two, you might make enough to stick some extra money in your pocket. You may also discover that a work ethic provides more than material returns like money and health insurance. In other words, you may learn how to provide for yourself and your family without burdening your fellow citizens.

And that my friend, is PRICELESS.

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