A number of people get health insurance through their employer or from the government. Those in search of other affordable health insurance options may begin to look elsewhere. However, those people need to make sure they check the credentials of the company they plan to use.

More than 150 Missouri consumers were duped into purchasing what the insurance commission calls "bogus health insurance plans." The Missouri Insurance director John Huff has ordered eight companies to pay $1 million in fines to the state and stop operating.

"In a difficult economy and a time when health insurance is becoming more expensive, these companies took the money from Missouri consumers and ran," says Huff. "Consumers need to be on the lookout for fake health insurance, and should call our department to check these companies out."

The fraudulent companies conducted most of their business through junk faxes. When consumers tried to use what they thought was health insurance, they found out it was merely a discounted medical plan. Consumers who tried to cancel the plan were unable to get in contact with the alleged company.

Work is underway to make the medical community implement meaningful use of electronic medical records. It's believed that patients will benefit from better care and fewer errors if electronic medical records are adopted by clinicians.

A survey of more than 500 physicians by the Physicians' Reciprocal Insurers found that many doctors are not aware of what measures will be taken for failure to make meaningful use of medical records. In fact, the survey reveals that more than 35 percent were not aware they could be financially penalized if they are found to not be in compliance.

However, PRI associate director of risk management Gerri Donohue notes that there are other provisions doctors are aware of.

"The ability to pull patient records and use the data in a collaborative environment will change the way healthcare is administered, and contribute [to] the reduction of risk," says Donohue. "It's encouraging to see that the majority of physicians understand this benefit."

On the consumer front, some have noticed an upward trend in individual health insurance quotes as costs have continued to rise. Overall, expenses have edged upward throughout much of the healthcare sector.

Americans have several options to consider when it comes to health insurance. People can chose from individual health insurance plans, obtaining coverage from an employer-based plan, and the government in some cases.

Research from the Employee Benefit Research Institute reveals that while employer-based coverage remains the most common source for insurance, the number of people going with that option is declining. Last year, 59 percent of people were covered by an employer plan, down from 61.1 percent in 2008.

EBRI report author Paul Frontstin says the downward trend of employer-based coverage is expected to continue.

"These trends are due to job losses resulting from the recent recession and the slow economic recovery, fewer workers being eligible for health insurance coverage, and more workers with coverage choosing to drop it," says Fronstin. "With unemployment remaining high, these trends are almost certain to continue when the data are released for 2010."

However, in the upcoming years fewer people will be able to opt out of having health insurance. Under the Affordable Care Act, most Americans will be required to have health insurance by 2014.