Thousands of restaurant employees who struggled to find affordable individual health insurance quotes in the past will have access to health insurance.

The Restaurant Health Care Alliance is a collaboration of efforts between the National Restaurant Association and a major health insurance company. It's estimated that more than half a million restaurant workers will gain access to healthcare at more affordable prices.

Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell says offering affordable health insurance options to more workers in the state is important.

"Providing health care coverage options to restaurant employees and helping restaurant owners – many of whom are small business owners - cut through the complexity of the health care market is critical to the success of this important industry in Pennsylvania which currently represents nearly 10 percent of our total workforce," says Rendell.

Salaries can vary greatly in the restaurant industry depending on the type of establishment and job title. Data from the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics reveals cooks, for example, earn anywhere from $22,120 to more than $66,680. Those on the lower end of the pay scale may experience more difficulty affording health insurance coverage.

It's not uncommon for some people to feel as though their paycheck doesn't go as far as it once did. Research shows it may not be just a feeling, but a fact.

The Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research and Educational Trust recently revealed results from their Employer Health Benefits Survey. Their data reveals that workers on average are paying $482 a year more for family health coverage than they did in 2009.

With many businesses still struggling financially, many companies are saddling more of their employees with healthcare costs.

HRET president and American Hospital Association research vice president Dr. Maulik Joshi says burdening employees with healthcare costs can have consequences.

"High out-of-pocket expenses and premiums affect health care decisions for patients," says Joshi. "If premiums and costs continue to be shifted to consumers, households will face difficult choices, like forgoing needed care, or reexamining how they can best care for their families."

Even though costs may seem high, people shouldn't go without health insurance. In the event of a serious illness or accident, hospital bills could far exceed the monthly insurance premiums paid.