Research from the National Committee for Quality Assurance shows that the number of children receiving vaccinations is declining. However, there appears to be a disparity between vaccination rates and the type of insurance coverage a child has.

Children who were covered through an individual health insurance plan or private company were less likely to receive vaccinations than those who are on Medicaid. The NCQA says vaccination rates in those children decreased by 4 percent compared to those with commercial plans last year.

NCQA president Margaret O'Kane says vaccines can provide children with important protection against many diseases.

"The drop in childhood vaccinations is disturbing because parents are rejecting valuable treatment based on misinformation," says O'Kane. "All of us in healthcare need to work together to get better information to the public."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that it's important for children to receive vaccinations because their immune systems may not be strong enough to fight off some diseases. Furthermore, the CDC says immunizations help slow down and even prevent outbreaks of serious diseases.

NCQA asserts that the decline in vaccination rate may have something to do with parents believing the unproven idea that there is a relationship between vaccinations and autism in children.

The nation's healthcare industry is undergoing rapid changes thanks to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. While most people would agree the new regulations will impact them, just how much remains unclear.

Companies, for example, are expected to offer health insurance to a wider range of employees. Many who purchased individual health insurance plans will be eligible for group coverage offered by their employer.

Such a change has made some businesses wonder how they will afford the increase in costs. Research by PricewaterhouseCoopers shows that nearly 50 percent of CEOs surveyed believe healthcare reform will have a financial impact on their company.

PwC Private Company Services partner Ken Esch says that more than 40 percent of CEOs saying they may invest in wellness programs is an important consideration to take note of.

"That a considerable number of CEOs are looking to up their investment in wellness programs signals a shift in thinking," says Esch, "with greater focus on a long-term approach to the health of employees - one that emphasizes preventive measures."

Benefits are an important tool employers use to attract and maintain employees. A recent survey by a major health insurance provider found that 90 percent of respondents said offering a broad spectrum of benefits was important when considering a new job.