Understanding health insurance can be difficult for even the most savvy consumer, especially with all the new measures taking effect. Oregon's Department of Consumer and Business Services has received a $400,000 federal grant to help educate consumers.

Such services may be needed in particular by those who find themselves entering the individual health insurance market for the first time. By 2014, most people will be required to have health insurance. As a result, a number of individuals may be seeking coverage.

Insurance Division administrator Teresa Miller says the funding will help state agencies and companies provide services to residents.

"Consumers need help figuring out which program best fits their needs or who to turn to with questions about health care reform or their insurance policy," says Miller.

Among other things, the department plans to use the money to help reach disproportionately uninsured people in the state.

In addition to seeking help through local agencies, consumers can also research plans online. Earlier this year, the government created a website aimed specifically at educating consumers on various private and public insurance options.

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.
 

It became illegal for health insurance companies to deny children coverage based on their medical history last month. The government is now reminding insurance companies they must be in compliance with new regulations.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius wrote a letter to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners reminding them of their legal obligation. .

"We have been working closely with the states in their role as insurance regulators and with insurance companies to find ways to improve access to coverage for America's families," says Sebelius.

The majority of health insurance providers haven't been happy about this specific provision of reform. Some have fought back by not offering health insurance quotes for child-only policies. In an article written earlier this year, The Christian Science Monitor noted that from a health insurer's perspective, the coverage is suppose to help protect people from future incidents, not current problems. The Monitor made a comparison to auto insurance, saying it was similar to a motorist asking for help with an already damaged vehicle.

With the unemployment rate still high, there are a large number of parents who struggle to find affordable family health insurance plans. Even when economic conditions improve, many may still wonder how they will be able to provide health insurance coverage for themselves and their children.

National Public Radio recently profiled a family of four living in Alabama, named Pendergrass. While their family income of $43,000 a year is about average in the state, Darryl Pendergrass noted that he hasn't received a raise in years because of budget cuts, but he has been expected to pay more for health insurance.

A recent study performed on behalf of Families USA predicts that 442,000 people, and families like the Pendergrasses, will be eligible for healthcare premium tax credits in 2014, when health insurance will be required for most Americans.

Families USA executive director Ron Pollack says the tax cut will help working families pay for health insurance coverage.

"This is the largest middle-income tax cut in history, and it will enable many hard-working Alabamans to afford health insurance premiums that have stretched family budgets," says Pollack. "The tax cut will not only put significant extra cash in Alabamans' pocketbooks, but it will also ease the burden of families' growing health care costs."

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.