The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has gained a great deal of media attention. Recently, a number of provisions became effective. However, many are still waiting to see how employer healthcare programs will be affected by the laws.

A HighRoads study reveals that nearly half of employers plan to bolster their preventative care benefit offerings. Currently, 60 percent of respondents said they offer at least some preventative care services free of charge.

HighRoads principal Josh Miley says there may be a surge of people receiving preventative care services, especially if they have been forced to forgo care due to financial constraints in the past.

"Unfortunately, given the current economic environment, many believe that employees have foregone preventative care when copays are required in lieu of paying their mortgage or other necessary bills," says Miley. "This may contribute to a spike in utilization once copayments are removed."

Preventative care is extremely important for patients to receive. Early detection of some conditions can delay their onset. A heightened risk of developing type 2 diabetes, for example, can be greatly reduced through proper diet and exercise.

With healthcare being a major topic of discussion in the news as of late, more people are closely looking at their own health insurance options. A recent survey conducted by a major health insurance provider reveals that 40 percent "somewhat" understand their benefits package.

Part of the reason so many respondents say they don't completely understand their health insurance options is the language used. More than 70 percent said the open-enrollment process would be easier for them if simpler terminology was used instead of complex jargon.

It's important for people to completely understand their coverage options in order to make the most educated decision. Health insurance needs can change over time. A certain level of coverage may be needed for small children, while another one might be necessary for those who are getting ready to attend college, for example.

A number of employers are also beginning to roll out health savings accounts as part of their benefits offerings. Employees should make sure they are well-versed in the program offerings before deciding whether they want to participate, especially if they haven't used a similar plan in the past. Such accounts can help save on family health insurance bills.

A solid paycheck isn't the only thing that employees want from their employer. A recent survey conducted by the American Payroll Association reveals that other benefits play an important role.

The survey of nearly 30,000 people reveals that more than 40 percent of employees place more value on health insurance than on a larger paycheck.

Generally speaking, purchasing health insurance through an employer is the least expensive route for people to take. Most employers cover a certain percentage of costs as a benefit. Those who don't have the option of getting coverage through their employer can look for affordable health insurance quotes online to fine a plan that best meets their needs.

American Payroll Association executive director Dan Maddux says there are ways employees can help reduce their healthcare costs.

"The uncertainty surrounding healthcare is a big concern for employees and business alike," says Maddux. "As the costs of healthcare continue to rise, employees should consider Flexible Spending Accounts and other pre-tax, voluntary payroll deductions to ease the burden of these necessary expenses."

FSAs have grown in popularity as healthcare expenses have continued to edge upward. Contributions to such accounts save money as federal income and employment taxes are not deducted.

Healthcare reform is forcing companies of all sizes to reasses their insurance benefit offerings. Employers with more than 200 employees, for example, are required to automatically enroll their staff unless they specifically opt out.

A nonprofit group called the Oregon Coalition of Health Care Purchasers is setting out to help companies in light of reform. The goal of the organization is to help employers with value-based benefits.

The National Business Coalition on Health president and CEO Andrew Webber says that companies are looking for ways to cut costs while still providing for their employees. Employers are reportedly responsible for nearly 60 percent of healthcare plans in the country.

"Through this project employers will be able to integrate and better understand the health data on their covered populations, which is critical for successful benefit design and employee communications," says Barbara Prowe of the Oregon Health Strategy Project.

There are a variety of websites individuals can go to if they are confused about new provisions under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Recently, the government unveiled its own website where consumers can get information about individual and family health insurance plans through private and government channels.

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.