When it comes to healthcare, many people think of doctor visits and individual health insurance plans. However, medication is also an important component to one's healthcare.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that nearly 50 percent of Americans took at least one prescription medication in the past month.

The American Pharmacists Association is urging pharmacists and consumers to talk about sticking to medication guidelines. The APhA says the healthcare system is burdened with more than $177 billion a year because patients don't properly follow their medication instructions

APhA executive vice president and CEO Thomas Menighan says pharmacists can play a role in patients adhering to medication guidelines.

"Medication adherence is a significant problem for the U.S. healthcare system, and as any healthcare provider will tell you 'drugs don't work in patients who don't take them,'" says Menighan.

Even something as simple as not refilling a prescription or deciding to stop a medication before receiving a doctor's permission is considered improper medication use. In some cases, patients may feel like they can't comply with proper medication use. Some prescription drugs can be more costly than people's budgets can accommodate.

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.

As healthcare costs continue to trend upwards for both group and individual health insurance plans, a number of costs-saving measures are being implemented. The Texas Employee Group Benefits Program is steering members towards generic prescription drugs, according to HealthLeaders-InterStudy.

The report indicates that use of generic drugs will likely increase as more patients become aware of their cost-saving benefits. Furthermore, more expensive co-pays may become more widespread for brand-name drugs.

HealthLeaders-InterStudy market analyst Bill Melville says other companies may begin implementing similar measures.

"Texas' largest employee group has implemented changes that could make waves among many private groups," says Melville. "With higher co-pays, the Texas Employee Group Benefits Program could be a signal of what's likely to occur in private employer groups. Additional cost-shifting strategies include increased deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums and coinsurance costs."

The Food and Drug Administration says expenses can decrease by 14 percent to 16 percent per day if people switch to generic from brand-name drugs. The exact savings can vary depending on the specific medication and dose. Patients should always consult their physician to see what options are available.

When it comes to medical care, it's not just about having affordable family health insurance. It's important for people to have quality care when they visit the doctor or hospital.

A recent study by a CareChex, part of a group that specializes in rating hospital and doctor care, found there is a wide level of disparity in care levels from state to state and from urban to more rural areas.

While North Carolina ranked low for quality care, it was rated high in patient satisfaction. On the other hand, Connecticut and Ohio scored well in quality, but low on patient satisfaction. The District of Columbia, however, ranked the lowest for both quality and patient satisfaction.

National Business Coalition on Health President and CEO Andrew Webber says the survey reveals that just because a patient's aliments are cured, doesn't mean they had a satisfactory experience.

"From the perspective of employers and purchaser-based coalitions, employee satisfaction with the care they receive is an important part of the hospital's overall value equation - there's simply no reason why we shouldn't expect quality care to be provided along with a positive patient experience," says Webber.

Health website WebMD says there are ways consumers can take charge of their care while in the hospital. They suggest patients learn their rights and plan ahead, among other things.

American's battle with obesity has become common knowledge. In fact, a 2007-2008 study by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey estimated 17 percent of children between the ages of 2 and 19 were obese.

To help reduce obesity levels, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced they will award $31 million to 10 communities to aid with public health efforts. Funding, part of the Communities Putting Prevention to Work program, will also go to programs that aim to reduce smoking.

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says the investment in such programs will save money in the long run.

"To realize our goals of improving the health of Americans and lowering our nation's health care costs, we must address the underlying factors that influence our families' health - factors like the foods we eat and the conditions that exist in our homes, neighborhoods and workplaces," says Sebelius.

Being overweight or obese has been linked to several health conditions, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Being in good health will enhance the quality of one's life. Individuals also stand to get better health insurance quotes if the don't have serious medical conditions.