Some states have a lot of work to attend to in order to be in compliance with new healthcare regulations under the Affordable Care Act. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has given the Illinois Health Care Reform Implementation Council the task of getting the state ready for the new laws.

One of the concerns on the minds of many people is the escalating costs associated with health insurance. Quinn says that the council will work to ensure consumers are not taken advantage of.

"The Illinois Health Care Reform Implementation Council will help ensure that we implement national health reform in a way that meets the needs of our state and protects Illinois' health care consumers from unfair increases in insurance premiums," says Quinn.

Another problem many consumers are expressing is difficulty getting affordable health insurance quotes. Under healthcare reform, each state will have its own health insurance exchange, where consumers can compare costs among different plans.

In 2014, most Americans will be required to have health insurance. Those who find they still cannot afford rates offered through an exchange may qualify for federal programs.

Healthcare costs and affordable family health insurance plans have been at the forefront of discussions surrounding reform. A recent poll, however, shows that more than costs are on the minds of many consumers.

Data from the American Academy of Physician Assistants reveals that more than 30 percent of those polled said they are more satisfied with their healthcare when they can effectively communicate and spend more time with their care team.

AAPA president Patrick Killeen says the role of a physician's assistant is extremely important since they are frequently the first to speak with a patient.

"If we're able to expand the presence of physician-led teams in the health care system, we can meet patients' expectations that they'll have access to high quality, coordinated care, and that they'll be able to spend time with their provider to discuss treatment options for them and for their families," says Killeen.

Even though this poll shows patients would like to spend more time with their healthcare provider, that may not happen. Some predict a shortage of medical care staff in the future. With most Americans being required to have health insurance by 2014, there could be a larger number of people seeking care.

For those struggling to find affordable health insurance quotes, it's important  to find ways to save on insurance. One way people can do this is through a flexible spending account.

Such accounts allow consumers to put pre-tax dollars towards their healthcare costs. The money can be used to help cover co-payments as well as other long-term care expenses. Despite these cost-saving benefits, a recent survey found that 86 percent of respondents don't fully understand how the accounts work.

WageWorks CEO Joe Jackson says people should get informed on flexible spending accounts as a way save money.

"At a time when Americans are looking for ways to cut their health care costs, it's important that employees take advantage of all the benefits available to them," says Jackson. "Flexible spending accounts are designed to help Americans save up to 40 percent on the health care they need and already pay for out of their own pockets."

In addition to participating in such programs during open enrollment period employees should also make sure they are selecting a plan that best meets their needs. Those who don't frequently need medical care can save money by going with a plan that has a higher deductible.