The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services now will allow women to receive contraceptives covered as a part of their health insurance plan.

The program, which will be implemented in August of this year, and will require most health insurance programs to offer options without co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance or any other excess payments, the announcement said. However, some entities who consider themselves religious will have the opportunity to opt out.

Kathleen Sebelius, the secretary for HHS noted in the release that "This decision was made after very careful consideration, including the important concerns some have raised about religious liberty. I believe this proposal strikes the appropriate balance between respecting religious freedom and increasing access to important preventive services."

The program was initially suggested last August, and is already being practiced by some entities at the state level, the report added.

For those who are unsure if their health insurance plan covers everything that they need, or they have to pay too much on their deductible, it could be a good idea to examine affordable health insurance rates.

While some consumers try to cut back on their health insurance options in order to save money, that many not be the best route to take. A report from health insurance company Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware showed that there are other ways to save money on a plan.

Consumers should be sure that all medical care providers are in their insurance company's network, the source noted. This is because it will save significant amounts of money on costs such as copays. In addition, patients need to make sure that if referrals are necessary, they obtain one, as this will prevent unnecessary costs.

Americans also need to take any available precautions and testing options that are covered on their plan, according to the source. This has the potential to keep consumers healthy and costs low. In addition, if something does happen, ensure that only major issues are brought to the emergency room. Minor problems can be dealt with at the doctor's office or clinic.

If the plan itself is the problem, it may not be a bad idea to compare affordable health insurance rates. This practice can ensure that the new plan is both sufficient and inexpensive.

The state of California witnessed significant rises in health insurance premiums over the past 10 years, which outpaced inflation markedly, according to a survey from the California HealthCare Foundation.

According to Consumer Watchdog, the survey noted that premiums for California residents increased by more than 150 percent. This is approximately five times more than the rate of inflation during that period, which was 29 percent.

"A 153 percent increase in health insurance premiums in just 10 years is unbearable and the fact that premiums have risen five times the rate of inflation is scandalous," said Carmen Balber of Consumer Watchdog.

The average premium cost for an individual health insurance plan in California is $5,970, while the national cost average is $5,429, according to the survey. Regulators in some states can reject healthcare insurance rate increases, but California is unable to at the current time.

No matter where in the United States a person lives, it may not be difficult to find a better health insurance plan. A smart idea could be to compare affordable health insurance rates, as this could secure a low-cost plan.

A recent survey from Consumer Reports showed that 43 percent of consumers have delayed getting dental care due to it costing too much money.

One-third of consumers noted they are not brushing and flossing when they need to and another 17 percent of those polled said they had to delay a check-up that was strictly for health reasons, the report noted. Another 23 percent noted that their insurance didn't cover the work they needed done, and approximately the same amount exceeded their plan's maximum limit.

"Consumers worry about pain when it comes to the dentist, but the financial burden of yet another medical expense is the greatest concern of all," said Nancy Metcalf, senior program editor, Consumer Reports. "It's worrisome that so many people are putting off dental care due to cost constraints."

Consumers who do not think their health insurance plan will cover a procedure, or won't do enough to make it worthwhile, may want to compare health insurance quotes to find something that covers a larger range of dental procedures.

The federal government will be adding an extra fee to consumer health insurance plans in 2012 in order to pay for healthcare research laid out in the healthcare reform bill, according to The Associated Press.

Research will center around whether new, brand name drugs are more useful to consumers to treat illnesses than the generic equivalent. The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute will lead the research, according to the source. The organization was created by the federal government and will be partially sponsored by it.

"The more concerning thing is not the institute itself, but how the findings will be used in other areas," Kathryn Nix, a policy analyst for the Heritage Foundation, told the source. "Will they be used to make coverage determinations?"

In total, each fee will be $1 per person, according to the news source. While the federal government may not begin collecting immediately, those with insurance will still owe the funds.

Consumers who are worried about increased health insurance fees may want to examine affordable health insurance quotes to reduce their overall costs, as it may be possible to lock in a manageable rate before further healthcare reforms are implemented.