When workers lose their jobs they often lose not only their salaries but in many cases they lose their benefits too. These benefits may include health insurance.

In December 2008 and January 2009, an estimated 14,000 people lost health coverage every day, according to a study by the Center for American Progress Action Fund. The group says that the states hit hardest economically, specifically by unemployment, have also had the most people lose health insurance.

Here are the top 5 states based on an estimated number of people losing their health insurance in the past few months:

  1. California
  2. New York
  3. Florida
  4. New Jersey
  5. Michigan

March 5, 2009.