A recent survey from the Commonwealth Fund showed that a majority of low-income families are uninsured due to affordability issues.

Nearly 60 percent of families who are earning less than $30,000 in a family of four were uninsured at some point in the past year, according to the report. More than one-third were uninsured for at least two years.

For families of four earning moderate income, which is between roughly $29,726 and $55,875, had approximately one-third without health insurance for a time in 2011, the report noted. Another one-fifth of these people were without insurance for two or more years.

"People with low and moderate incomes run the highest risk of lacking job-based health insurance, are least able to afford health insurance on their own, and are the most at risk of not being able to afford care in the absence of coverage," said Sara Collins, vice president of the Commonwealth Fund and lead author of the report.

Consumers who think they cannot afford health insurance rates may want to compare health insurance quotes before giving up hope. There are many affordable private insurance options available.