Learn about these important laws and make your health insurance benefits work for you.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the majority of Americans -- 84.4% -- are covered by some form of health insurance, mostly through a current or former employer or union. Simply having coverage is not enough, however. In order to get the most from your health insurance coverage, you must know what legal rights and protections you have.

There are a number of federal laws that govern your health insurance. These laws address everything from interruptions in coverage to coverage for newborn babies to mental health coverage. Click on a link to learn more about any of the following laws.

• The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, which helps people keep their group health insurance coverage even after losing or leaving a job.

• The Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Act , which protects women and their newborns from being prematurely released from the hospital after childbirth.

• The Mental Health Parity Act, which prohibits health plans and insurers from providing less coverage for mental disorders.

• The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which, among other things, protects people who suffer from what the insurance industry calls "pre-existing conditions."

• The Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act, which governs how your health insurance company treats women who suffer from breast cancer.