The economic downturn has caused many employers to slash benefits and salaries in an attempt to stay financially afloat. Offering affordable health insurance to those who wish to retire early has become difficult for many companies to continue to offer. Budgets may be tightened further when new provisions under the Affordable Care Act kick in.

The Early Retiree Reinsurance Program provides financial help to employers so they can continue to cover retirees who are older than 55, but ineligible for Medicare.

Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell says the commonwealth is one of many employers that will receive financial assistance for early retiree healthcare expenses.

"Rising health care costs are a growing burden for employers and employees alike, and Pennsylvania state government is no exception," says Rendell. "This program will provide much-needed financial relief to the commonwealth, as well as more than 100 other employers throughout the state."

For those who still want to retiree early and can't get health insurance through their employer or Medicare, there are still options available. People can begin researching individual health insurance quotes and find a plan suitable for their needs.

Recent healthcare reform has aimed to make medical care better for everyone in the country. From mandatory health insurance to increased oversight of healthcare practices, the stage has been set to transform the industry.

A number of hospitals in Illinois aren't waiting until 2014 to step it up a notch. A group of almost 200 hospitals are "Raising the Bar" with the Illinois Hospital Association.

The initiative aims to decrease hospital readmissions and acquired infections over a three-year span.

"Quality care is a core priority for our hospitals, and by pledging to 'Raise the Bar' on health care quality and safety, our hospitals have reaffirmed their commitment to ensure that every patient gets the right care, at the right time, in the right setting," says IHA president Maryjane Wurth.

Reducing the number of readmissions could save the healthcare industry money as well as create a better experience for patients. The Commonwealth Fund says that 20 percent of Medicare patients discharged in 2003 and 2004 had to be readmitted within 30 days.