Healthcare in American saw major changes in 2010 thanks to actions made by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

One of the largest changes made in 2010 includes the Affordable Care Act, a measure designed to hold health insurers more accountable and employer consumers. The Let's Move campaign spearheaded by First Lady Michelle Obama aimed at combating childhood obesity was also launched this year. The Medicare program also saw improvements.

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says many Americans lives will be positively impacted by the new laws.

"Through the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, more Americans have access to health coverage as well as new rights and benefits in their health insurance," says Sebelius. "Efforts to improve public health and reverse the twin epidemics of obesity and tobacco use in the U.S. made significant progress."

Many components of the Affordable Care Act have yet to be implemented. One of the new measures will require states to establish exchanges where consumers can purchase individual health insurance plans at more competitive rates. Also, more people will be eligible for federal programs. 

A growing number of Americans do not have health insurance, according to data released by the Kaiser Foundation.

The research reveals a 4.3 million person increase between 2008 and 2009 of uninsured citizens, amounting to 50 million people. With nearly 20 percent of the population lacking coverage, people have been trying to determine what is fueling the trend.

The report reveals that no one is immune from being uninsured. People of all ages, races and income levels can be found lacking coverage. That being said, nearly 40 percent of families of four making less than $22,050 are uninsured.

With a persistently high unemployment rate and economic turmoil, it is believed many people simply cannot find affordable health insurance quotes if they are not offered coverage through an employer and don't meet income requirements for federal plans.


Under healthcare reform, most Americans will be required to have health insurance. Many people who are uninsured neglect to see a physician, even if they are ill. If coverage levels rise and the 50 million uninsured obtain health insurance, there is potential for a shortage of medical care professionals.  

More than 40 percent of baby boomers surveyed believe their longevity will surpass that of Medicare, according to an AP-GfK poll.

Most Americans are willing to increase the age in which people qualify for the health insurance plan, according to the Associated Press, if it means keeping the benefits as they are.

Currently, Americans become eligible for Medicare at age 65 and some of those approaching their turn to take advantage of the program expect it to still be there a few years from now. Lynn Barlow, 60, told the AP she deserves access to the coverage after working for so long.

"I started working when I was 16 and I expect a benefit after putting into it for so many years," Barlow told the news agency.

There are many Americans who don't qualify for Medicare and don't have access to group plans. People in such circumstances should purchase an individual health insurance plan to ensure they covered.

Consumers can conduct research online to find a plan that best meets their needs. In 2014, healthcare exchanges will be in place where consumers can compare rates in one location. 

Those with flexible savings accounts better hurry up and run to the store if funds are still available.

Effective January 1, consumers can no longer use funds from the accounts to purchase over-the-counter medications as a result of healthcare reform. The accounts can, however, be used to pay for prescription medications.

Flexible savings accounts have become quite popular with some employers and employees. The plans allow people to set aside funds tax-free, resulting in the potential for a sizable amount of savings.

There will be more changes underway for the accounts in the upcoming years. Current limits allow employees to stash away $5,000 annually in the accounts, but the amount will be slashed in half in 2013.

Obtaining affordable health insurance quotes along with using flexible spending accounts have helped people save a substantial amount on medical care.

While shortly people will no longer be able to use flexible spending account funds on over-the-counter medications, there are still ways people can save money. By 2014, each state will be required to have a health insurance exchange in operation. The program is designed to offer competitively priced policies. 

Healthcare reform has divided the country somewhat, but a new CNN poll reveals that the requirement for most Americans to have coverage is the biggest source of contention.

Under the new law, most citizens need to either purchase an individual health insurance plan, obtain coverage through an employer or qualify for a government sponsored policy. According to the CNN poll, 60 percent said they weren't in favor of the requirement.

However, nearly the same percentage of respondents indicated they supported parts of the legislation, including prohibiting insurers from denying people coverage based on medical history.

Some who are not in support of the individual mandate believe it's not the government's place to say how people spend their money and paying for coverage should be optional. Earlier this year, a Virginia judge ruled that the law was unconstitutional.

The requirement for most people to purchase coverage does not take effect until 2014, when health insurance exchanges must be set up in each state. Under the law, states can either operate their own exchange program or have the government run it.