The healthcare system in the country has undergone some major changes already, with more to come in the upcoming years. One segment of the population that stands to be significantly affected by healthcare decisions is the senior population.

The American Geriatrics Society's Foundation for Health and Aging says that those over the age of 65 average 10 doctor visits per year and that number increases to 15 when a patient reaches the age of 85.

Fortunately, research shows that retirees are happy with their experiences using health care exchanges. Health care exchanges allow consumers to compare insurance plans. A survey from Extend Health found that 85 percent of those who have used a health insurance exchange report being happy with their experience.

Our retiree customers are at the leading edge of what is next in healthcare – individuals with access to health insurance through an exchange," said Extend Health CEO Bryce Williams. "These survey results suggest that the exchanges authorized by health care reform legislation passed earlier this year will be greeted with enthusiasm when they go into operation for individuals and small businesses in 2014."

Healthcare reform has been viewed as a necessity by many people. Proponents for the reform say that health insurance shouldn't be considered a right, but something that is available to everyone. However, not everyone thinks that requiring health insurance is such a good idea.

The Arizona-based Goldwater Institute isn't so fond of healthcare reform. In fact, the watchdog organization is filing a lawsuit in an attempt to "protect health care freedom and preserve constitutional checks and balances."

Under healthcare reform, most Americans will be required to obtain health insurance. Small business owner and lead plaintiff Nick Coons says that he shouldn't have to get health insurance if he doesn't want to.

"The government is making me spend money on something that I don't want," says Coons. "Is a stranger who works for the government in some other part of the country really going to know what I need? I am the best qualified to make these decisions for myself."

People who fail to obtain health insurance by 2014 won't get away without a price. Those who neglect to get coverage stand to be fined by the Internal Revenue Service.