When an employee looks at their paycheck, they might have noticed they are taking home less money than they used to could be attributed in part to rising healthcare costs.

Data from Hewitt Associates shows that healthcare costs have reached a five-year high. While reform cannot be held solely responsible for rate hikes, some are attributing a large portion of it to the new regulations.

Hewitt notes that employers are also seeing more high-cost claims being made. Hewitt healthcare practice leader Ken Sperling says the transitionary period between now and when many new provisions are implemented is making employers and their staffs struggle.

"Companies cannot afford to take a 'wait and see' approach to health care benefits," says Sperling. "Now is the time for organizations to be bolder about the strategies, programs and tactics they're using to contain cost and motivate employees to engage in their own health."

Having a workforce that is more engaged and motivated to be in shape may result in overall lower medical expenses and more affordable health insurance quotes. Many employers have begun to integrate wellness programs into their benefits packages to encourage employees to take control of their own well-being.

People need to prepare to pay more for their family health insurance coverage. A recent survey conducted by Towers Watson reveals healthcare costs are expected to rise more than 8 percent next year.

Nearly 60 percent of the 466 employers surveyed said they plan to make significant changes to their healthcare plans next year. The survey also revealed companies have increased employee contributions almost 50 percent since 2005.

Towers Watson senior healthcare consultant Ron Fontanetta says wellness programs are one way employers plan to cut back on expenses.

"Employers today understand that one of the keys to controlling long-term health care costs is to provide employees with the tools to personalize and manage their health," says Fontanetta. "They are also offering incentives to encourage employees to maintain their well-being and access to clinical support and advice."

People who hoped for a large pay raise to offset increased healthcare expenses may be disappointed. Non-profit human resources organization WorldatWork says employers are averaging a 2.5 percent salary budget increase. 

Having adequate health insurance is important to one's overall well-being. In the event of a major accident or severe illness, the coverage can help pay for expenses one wouldn't be able to afford otherwise.

Some people, however, cannot afford individual health insurance and rely on government plans, such as Medicaid. Research released by the American Cancer Society shows that those who are uninsured or have coverage through Medicaid are diagnosed with more severe cases of prostate cancer than those with private plans.

The study authors say that the "strong associations between insurance and disease severity are likely to be related to lack of access to preventive services such as PSA screening and barriers to timely medical evaluation of urologic symptoms."

By 2014, most Americans will be required to have health insurance. People will be able to purchase coverage through several sources depending on their individual circumstances. Options include through an employer, health insurance exchange, or the government.

Seeking medical care when needed and having regular physicals can help prevent the onset of more serious medical conditions. 

Healthcare costs are expected to continue their upward trend. In fact, double-digit rate growth is anticipated for next year, according to Aon Consulting's summer 2010 Health Care Trend Survey.

The survey of more than 60 healthcare insurers revealed that costs are projected to escalate more than 10 percent for HMO, POS, and PPO plans. An 11 percent increase is anticipated for CDH plans.

The cost increase could result in more people struggling to balance paying bills with their family health insurance premiums as employers shift more of the expense burden to their workers.

AON Consulting U.S. health and benefits practice director John Zern says employers must take multiple factors into consideration when reorganizing their benefit options.

"As employers start to fully understand the long-term cost impact of health reform, many are looking to redesign their health plans," says Zern. "Strong employee wellness and prevention programs, along with institutionalized best practices in care delivery, are key components to a successful redesign."

Even as costs rise for family health insurance coverage, it's still important to have. In the event of a severe illness or accident, health insurance can help cover expenses necessary to provide care. 

Spanish speakers now have a new place to go when looking for affordable health insurance quotes and other health information. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has launched CuidadodeSalud.Gov to provide greater access to healthcare information for the country's Latino community.

Like its English counterpart, HealthCare.gov, CuidadodeSalud.Gov aims to provide people with information about public and private health insurance options in one location.

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says the website will be able to help inform the Latino population about the health services available to them.

"CuidadoDeSalud.gov like HealthCare.gov is an unprecedented website which provides consumers with the power of information at their fingertips," says Sebelius. "Individuals, families, and small businesses will be able to easily compare both public and private health coverage options tailored specifically for their needs."

Latinos have a higher incidence rate of certain conditions, such as diabetes. With proper information and care, type 2 diabetes can be prevented in many cases. The new website may make it easier for Latinos to be more informed on health conditions and ultimately lead to better care.