Flexible spending accounts have received a deal of attention recently. While the plans are not new, a number of employers are beginning to offer them as part of their overall benefits package.

The flexible spending accounts have been a money-saving vehicle for many families who struggle to find affordable health insurance quotes and ways to cover medical expenses. The program allows people to deposit funds tax-free and then apply the money towards medical care.

In addition to using the money to cover co-pays from doctor's visits or services not otherwise covered by insurance, it is also commonplace for people to use the allocated money towards over-the-counter medications.

However, people will soon lose their ability to use their flexible spending accounts on over-the-counter medications unless they have a prescription for the drug.

Some people have refrained from setting aside money in such accounts because of their "use it or lose it" nature. However, they can offer significant savings if one is planning on having a procedure or knows he or she will need new glasses, for example. It may be wise for consumers to experiment with a small amount of money to adjust to using the account.

Healthcare costs have increased year after year recently. A number of people find it difficult to pay for group or individual health insurance plans. In such cases, patients may go without care that they need.

The San Diego County Medical Society Foundation provided services for 40 uninsured patients in the area. For many of the patients, their pain was so severe they were unable to work. More than 550 people have received free care thanks to the program since 2008.

San Diego County Medical Society Foundation executive director Kitty Baily says the surgeries help get people back on their feet.

"This program gets people out of the emergency rooms and back to good health so that they can return to work or caring for their families," says Baily. "This is possible because of the generosity of our volunteers."

It's important for people not to neglect their health. In some cases, a condition can become worse if not treated in a timely fashion. Consumers can search for affordable health insurance quotes online and speak to insurers directly to find a plan that meets their needs and budget.