When it comes to healthcare, many lower-income adults report being unsure how they will be able to pay their medical expenses. A large number of those surveyed are not confident in their ability to juggle bills, according to an AARP survey.

The survey reveals that more than 40 percent of low-income adults over the age of 45 say their health is "fair" to "poor," whereas less than 20 percent with an annual salary exceeding $25,000 reported the same feeling.

The study also revealed that almost 40 percent of respondents had to delay or even cancel a healthcare appointment within the last six months. AARP Foundation president Jo Ann Jenkins says tough economic times are hitting low-income Americans hard.

"Each day, millions are choosing between essentials like buying groceries or paying for prescriptions. It's a devastating choice that no one should have to make," says Jenkins.

Going without adequate healthcare can result in greater expenses down the road. Those who struggle to pay for their healthcare may want to consider researching insurance plans. People can go online to get health insurance quotes and to find a policy with premiums that fit into their budget.

Recent healthcare reform has aimed to make medical care better for everyone in the country. From mandatory health insurance to increased oversight of healthcare practices, the stage has been set to transform the industry.

A number of hospitals in Illinois aren't waiting until 2014 to step it up a notch. A group of almost 200 hospitals are "Raising the Bar" with the Illinois Hospital Association.

The initiative aims to decrease hospital readmissions and acquired infections over a three-year span.

"Quality care is a core priority for our hospitals, and by pledging to 'Raise the Bar' on health care quality and safety, our hospitals have reaffirmed their commitment to ensure that every patient gets the right care, at the right time, in the right setting," says IHA president Maryjane Wurth.

Reducing the number of readmissions could save the healthcare industry money as well as create a better experience for patients. The Commonwealth Fund says that 20 percent of Medicare patients discharged in 2003 and 2004 had to be readmitted within 30 days.

Under the Affordable Care Act, most Americans will be required to have health insurance by 2014. People can already begin researching health insurance quotes online if they are considering purchasing individual health insurance.

In the meantime, many people in the country don't have health insurance. Being uninsured could mean having to suffer with health conditions that could be avoided. To help out this flu season, CVS Caremark and Direct Relief USA are teaming up to offer free flu shots to community clinic and health center patients who are uninsured.

"With every CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic location providing flu vaccinations this year, we want to make sure that as many people as possible have access to a flu shot, including patients for whom cost may be a barrier," said CVS Caremark president and COO Larry Merlo.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says everyone over the age of 6 months should be vaccinated against the flu. The best way to prevent the spread of the flu is with a vaccination, according to the CDC. Ear infections and dehydration are just a couple of complications that can arise from the flu.

In many cases, people think of health insurance quotes, doctors and overall care when they have time to weigh different options. In the event of a natural disaster, such time is a luxury.

After a natural disaster, health professionals have to be screened in advance before they can donate their time. To make the volunteering procedure more streamlined, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response created a database where healthcare professionals can have their credentials approved in advance.

"ESAR-VHP saves time so we can make the most of volunteers' specialized medical skills when hours, even minutes, really matter," says Health and Human Services assistant secretary for preparedness and response Dr. Nicole Lurie. "Volunteering to help those in need during a disaster is an incredible act of compassion, and ESAR-VHP helps us get volunteers in place when they can make the biggest impact."

In the event of a natural disaster, the number of healthcare professionals needed is unknown. Having a database full of volunteers easily accessible can help increase speed and care to those in need.

A lack of health insurance coverage isn't the only barrier people face to getting care. Some people cannot access health services because of transportation.

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center closed its Braddock branch earlier this year for economic reasons. A slew of complaints came in, saying the closure violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

A large number of those who rely in the hospital for care are African-American and rely on public transportation. Without the UPMC Braddock location being open, residents would be faced with long commutes to neighboring hospitals.

"We recognize that health care institutions are confronted with difficult economic decisions," said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services office of civil rights Director Georgina Verdugo. "However, those decisions must consider the impact on communities and steps must be taken consistent with their obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, to ameliorate that impact."

Having adequate access to health services is crucial to one's well-being as well as the healthcare system. Those who go without care may ultimately end up with a costly condition that could have been prevented if proper measures were taken early on.