Receiving the flu vaccination can result in significant savings from avoiding hospitalization. However, a number of people don't receive the vaccination every year. Research from the University of Rochester Medical Center found that vaccination rates vary depending on insurance type.

Children who are Medicaid beneficiaries are less likely to be vaccinated for the flu in comparison to those who have family health insurance or private health coverage, according to the researchers. However, the team predicts more patients may receive the shot if doctors are reimbursed at a higher rate from Medicaid.

Study author and assistant professor Dr. Byung-Kwang Yoo says a doctor's compensation for treating Medicaid beneficiaries varies from each state.

"In most states the reimbursement from Medicaid is far below the actual cost," says Yoo. "The may create an obvious disincentive when physician's offices lose money every time they give a flu shot, even though vaccines are provided for free."

The number of people receiving health insurance from government programs like Medicaid and Medicare is likely to increase in the future under the Affordable Care Act, which plans to broaden the requirements to qualify for the plan.

With economic recovery slow and unemployment numbers still high, obtaining health insurance has become difficult for some people. A large number of Americans have struggled to find affordable health insurance quotes on their own and are turning to government healthcare for their needs.

A Gallup poll shows that more than 26 percent of Americans reported relying on Medicare, Medicaid, or military benefits last month. The increased reliance on government healthcare plans coincides with a decline in people reporting they received health insurance through an employer-sponsored plan. When Gallup began collecting data on health insurance in January 2008, just over 22 percent reported being on a government-sponsored plan.

The number of Americans who are uninsured has been holding steady since August at approximately 16 percent. Gallup notes that such findings may change in the future as provisions under the Affordable Care Act are implemented.

Medicaid is a health insurance option for those who meet income and other eligibility requirements. With the unemployment numbers being high, more people may become qualified for such programs. Those who don't qualify for such programs may want to try researching plans online to find one that meet their needs and price range.

Receiving appropriate healthcare early in life is important as it can impact a person's health in adulthood. Many families struggle to get affordable health insurance quotes and opt to go without coverage, even if they may be qualified for government-sponsored programs.

A report from Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota reveals that more than 10 percent of children living in the state were uninsured at any given time last year. Furthermore, low-income children were 3.5 times more likely to be uninsured than their wealthier counterparts.

A data analysis was conducted by the State Health Access Data Assistance Center at the University of Minnesota to see how the state's children are faring in comparison to the rest of the nation. Children's Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota president and CEO Dr. Alan Goldbloom says that while the state is doing well in some respects, other areas need improvement.

"We want to start a dialogue on the health and well-being of our children," says Goldbloom. "Overall, Minnesota ranks high in children's health. We can be proud of that, but this report shows areas of concern and we have work to do."

Without health insurance, children may not receive important preventative care or help when they are ill.