In 2009, the United States spent more on healthcare per person than a dozen industrialized nations, a report by The Commonwealth Fund found, but the quality of that care was labeled insufficient in some areas.

According to the report, the U.S. spent roughly $8,000 on healthcare per person in 2009, while other prominent countries spent considerably less. Japan and New Zealand only spent roughly one-third of that total, while Norway and Switzerland spent two-thirds.

However, David Squires, senior research associate at The Commonwealth Fund, who authored the study, stated that the country is failing to provide "notably superior" care, despite spending all that money.

"The higher prices we pay for health care and perhaps our greater use of expensive technology are the more likely explanations for high health spending in the U.S.," said Squires. "Unfortunately, we do not seem to get better quality for this higher spending."

One aspect of the health industry that is strong is the number of affordable and comprehensive health insurance companies Americans can choose from. Consumers can check out rates on policies from these companies by going online and comparing coverage plans.