Among several provisions of the Affordable Care Act, one new regulation includes the requirement for most Americans to obtain health insurance coverage. Some critics have asserted that in the future, patients can expect longer waits to see health care providers as a result of reform and the growing population.

Retail health clinics have begun to show up at a number of locations across the nation. In some cases, they have helped patients receive care in shorter periods of time without sacrificing quality. Recently, a CVS MinuteClinic expanded operations in Washington, D.C.

"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the MinuteClinic to Ward 7," says Councilmember Yvette Alexander. "This is one way to meet the growing demand of health services needed in our community."

In addition to searching for affordable health insurance quotes, people may also save money by utilizing retail clinics. Research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that costs were significantly lower in clinics compared to doctor or emergency room visits. Furthermore, the data found that the quality of care was similar regardless of whether a clinic or physician was visited for three conditions tested in the study.