Colorado residents are going to find it a bit more difficult to find affordable health insurance quotes. Research from the Lockton Benefit Group predicts an average rate increase of 14.4 percent over last year. While costs will likely rise across the country, the anticipated hike in Colorado is the highest.

Companies aren't going to absorb the increase entirely. More than 70 percent of survey respondents indicated that employees would be expected to pay higher premiums. Furthermore, deductible rates are high as well. The study found that just under 50 percent have a premium of more than $1,000, which marks an increase from last year and is higher than national averages.

Lockton Benefit president Bill Lindsay says higher health insurance premiums hurt Colorado residents.

"This makes it harder for Colorado employers to compete," says Lindsay. "Moreover, the resulting plan changes place Colorado workers at a greater disadvantage in terms of higher deductibles, out-of-pocket expense, and more significant premium cost sharing than their counterparts nationally."

Complying with healthcare reform was also noted as a concern for employers in the survey. The new laws will allow for adult children to stay on their parent's plan until age 26, which may prove to be costly to companies.

When consumers are searching for affordable health insurance quotes, they may end up selecting a policy with a high deductible. Such coverage tends to be less expensive in terms of monthly premiums because the deductible is high.

According to a report from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, Californians on such plans are more likely to delay care. In some cases, a deductible can be as high as $5,000. However, when the health insurance exchanges are in place, a cap of $2,000 for individual plans and $4,000 will apply to family insurance plans.

Health Policy Research Center scientist Dylan Roby says in some cases, a plan that requires higher monthly payments may yield savings in the long-run.

"Many Californians can't afford higher-premium plans, especially in the current economic climate," says Roby. "But the alternative - high-deductible plans - may cost less initially, but can cost thousands of dollars when you need health care. When that much money is on the line, a health emergency can also become a financial emergency."

Another way consumers can save on medical expenses is with a health savings account. The program allows consumers to deposit funds without a tax penalty.

Obesity has become a major problem in the U.S. A growing number of adults and children are living unhealthy lifestyles. Carrying around extra weight can also lead to a variety of other health conditions.

Those who are overweight are more likely to develop high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, for example. Both conditions are costly to the healthcare system and can be avoided in most cases.

Childhood obesity is particularly rampant in Georgia, which has the second-highest rate in the country. Avoiding unhealthy foods and watching portion sizes can help people lose weight.

Child Wellness at Children's Hospital medical director Dr. Stephanie Walsh says combating obesity requires everyone's efforts.

"The crisis of childhood obesity is the responsibility of every Georgia citizen," says Walsh. "As a society, we need to take ownership and act immediately on this issue for the sake of the future health of Georgia's population."

According to the 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, it's estimated that nearly 17 percent of of those between the ages of 2 and 19 are obese. Action will need to be taken to reduce the trend of obesity.

Some people don't go to the doctor's office as often as they should because they lack group or individual health insurance. Recent research shows that a number of men avoided the doctor because they were either uninsured or simply didn't feel a trip was needed.

A survey by the American Osteopathic Association found that less than 63 percent of men between the ages of 18 and 29 have seen a primary care physician within the past year, compared to more than 85 percent of men older than 60.

AOA trustee Joseph Giaimo says it's important for men of all ages to see their doctor on a regular basis.

"While older men may have more reasons to see a physician, younger, healthy men who wait too long between routine physicals and who pass on screenings, such as blood pressure or diabetes, miss the opportunity to detect precursors to heart disease and other illnesses," says Giaimo.

Conditions, such as diabetes, can even be cured once detected and lifestyle changes are made. Eating a proper diet is one thing people can do to help avoid developing that condition.

The restaurant industry employs a large number of part-time employees. In some cases a limited medical plan, or mini-med plan, is extended to the staff. Those plans may no longer be available by some companies because of costs.

Under healthcare reform, companies will be required to pay for 80 to 85 percent of premiums, which may be more than some financially strapped restaurants can afford. According to a survey by the Hay Group and the Chain Restaurant Compensation Association, 54 percent of employers are considering dropping the mini-med plans.

Recently, McDonalds made headlines for voicing its concerns over being able to offer the plans to their employees.

Hay Group principal John Hennessy says reform may negatively impact some people's access to affordable care.

"Limited medical plans offer low-cost coverage to part-time and full-time hourly workers who otherwise might not be able to afford coverage at all," says Hennessy. "However, employees' access to limited medical plans may be in danger with healthcare reform mandates on the horizon, as the coverage is unlikely to meet the minimum standards of acceptable coverage."

Those who find they can no longer obtain coverage at work can look into individual health insurance plans.