A census conducted by America's Health Insurance Plans indicates millions of consumers are taking part in health savings account-eligible insurance plans, which the organization notes can be helpful for many Americans.

According to AHIP's findings, 13.8 million U.S. residents are enrolled in HSA plans this year. This is nearly 20 percent higher than the total enrolled a year earlier, and roughly three times as many were enrolled compared to five years ago.

Between January 2011 and the same month this year, the number of large-group HSA plans jumped 26 percent. Also, the number of small-plan members increased 9 percent during that period.

Karen Ignagni, AHIP's president and CEO, stated numerous Americans are making smart choices by obtaining HSAs.

"Millions of individuals, families and employers have chosen an HSA plan for the affordable, high-quality coverage these plans provide," said Ignagni. "HSA plans are providing patients with information and resources to make more informed healthcare decisions."

Whether you're looking for an individual plan or family health insurance, you can find a variety of quotes online. Comparing quotes with one another is vital to ensure you get the best coverage possible.

More Americans are experiencing greater longevity, but this comes with various health issues that older people need to keep in mind, according to U.S. News and World Report.


A large portion of Americans are living into their 80s, and if a person reaches the traditional retirement age of 65, the likelihood they will get there increases significantly. However, those over the age of 65 are prone to illness, the source explained. In 2008, approximately 28 percent of this group died of heart disease, while another 22 percent died of cancer.

Furthermore, in 2010, close to 60 percent of this age group noted that they needed to slow down their usual routines due to chronic illnesses, the report added. Fewer than 30 percent of younger adults said the same thing.

Aging Americans who are without proper coverage and are concerned about the risks of Medicare or Medicaid may want to get a private healthcare plan. These items don't have to be expensive, and by prioritizing affordable health insurance rates, a person may get the plan they need and can fit into their budget.

Sci-Tech Today recently explained that as more doctors agree that the PSA test is not necessary to screen healthy patients for prostate cancer, it could be the start of a trend to give consumers fewer precautionary examinations.

Despite these doctor-driven decisions, many patients are uncomfortable with the trend, the news source reported. This worry is disputed by some experts, as the belief that many are "overdiagnosed" may not be completely necessary.

"There is something going on, not just in cancer," Steven Woloshin, co-director of the Center for Medicine and the Media at the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, told the news source. "It's encouraging. It feels like this is the beginning of a sea change in attitudes toward testing, treating and overdiagnosis."

If a person feels like they need to be checked for an illness, but their current policy will not cover it, looking for another plan may not be a bad idea. There are many health insurance quotes online that could help a person get the coverage and care needed.

A recent poll from Common Good conducted by Clarus Research Group found that a large portion of Americans feel that health issues dealt with through the courts are increasing overall health expenses, and it would be more affordable through another court option.

Overall, three-quarters of those polled felt that health insurance rates are increased by legal-related fees and lawsuits, the poll showed. In addition, 66 percent explained that they would prefer healthcare-related court cases switched to a health court with judges who have a specialization in such cases.

Also, nearly 70 percent of respondents explained they think doctors are leaving their jobs due to the high costs and risks involved in liability insurance and lawsuits.

"Americans know they're paying unnecessary health care costs because our system of medical justice is unreliable," said Philip Howard, chair of Common Good. "It's time to end the waste - tens of billions annually - and create reliable health courts."

Consumers who feel that they are paying too much for healthcare may want to look for alternative options to their current offering. Comparing affordable health insurance rates may help someone get the type of plan they need without losing coverage.

A recent study compiled jointly by the Urban Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that close to 10 percent of American military veterans do not have healthcare coverage.

These former members of the military are not only without typical healthcare policies, but they also are not under the care of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Journal noted. In total, this group accounts for approximately 1.3 million veterans, as well as 950,000 of their family members. This equals approximately 4.8 percent of all uninsured Americans.

"This is the first published report to provide estimates of uninsurance among non-elderly veterans and their families both nationally and at the state level and to assess the potential for the Affordable Care Act to reduce their uninsurance rates," said Jennifer Haley and Genevieve Kenney, according to the news source.

Those who feel that they may not be able to afford a plan could benefit from looking at multiple health insurance quotes. This is due to there being many options available, at different costs.