The state of Kansas does not have any plans to halt its changes of the Medicaid program, even though many lawmakers are not happy with the speed of the process, according to The Associated Press.

Sam Brownback, governor of The Sunflower State, plans to get the project in motion this year by giving three contracts to companies in preparation of the switch. The program is worth $2.9 billion, and the contract would take place in 2013.

"We don't want to hurt Kansas patients," Lieutenant Governor Jeff Colyer told the news source. "We want to make sure that they start getting the benefits now, and we're talking about tens of millions of dollars."

The state has approximately 380,000 people using one of the programs in a given month, the source added.

Consumers may be uneasy about the impending healthcare reform, especially if they use a government-sponsored plan. In the meantime, it may not be a bad idea to compare affordable health insurance rates, as there could be a plan that is inexpensive but has what a person needs.

Recent health insurance rate increases by Trustmark Life Insurance Company forced the federal government to comment on the situation, requiring the organization to get rid of the hike, or explain why it increased rates.

Five states would be affected by the changes, including Arizona, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, Virginia and Alabama, according to the release. In total, close to 10,000 consumers would witness the rate hike. The new healthcare reform rules allow the government to force companies to explain increases in health insurance rates.

"Before the Affordable Care Act, consumers were in the dark about their health insurance premiums because there was no nationwide transparency or accountability," said Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.  "Now, insurance companies are required to disclose rate increases over 10 percent and justify these increases."

While the federal government has the ability to question rate increases, many states have taken advantage of the power, as well, the report noted.

Even with these actions in mind, the full effects of healthcare reform are unknown. It may be a good idea for consumers to try to lock in affordable health insurance rates now before any more changes are enacted.

Health law practitioners recently announced that healthcare reform, mandating health insurance coverage for all Americans, may be the most important aspect of health law in the United States in 2012, according to Bloomberg.

The survey, which was completed by Bloomberg BNA's Health Law Reporter advisory board, showed healthcare reform is vitally important because of its many affects on all aspects of healthcare. In addition, fraud and abuse came in second and public options - such as Medicare and Medicaid - came in third. Other notable aspects that made the list were healthcare quality, health information and health plan regulation.

"Relying on their collective and comprehensive knowledge across a wide range of health law practices areas, including taxation, antitrust, fraud and abuse compliance, and Medicare reimbursement and compliance, they predicted that 2012 will be a blockbuster year for health law," said Peyton Sturges, senior legal editor in Bloomberg BNA's health division.

Those who are worried about the state of healthcare reform may want to preempt it by comparing affordable health insurance quotes. Grabbing a low health insurance rate could help avoid uncertainty.

A recent announcement from the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services revealed that President Barack Obama has awarded millions to fund states' attempts to increase health insurance coverage for children.

The president has awarded approximately $296 million to fund the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act, according to Kathleen Sebelius, the secretary of HHS. Since CHIP was reauthorized in 2009, more than 1.2 million children in the United States gained healthcare coverage. The money, which will be allocated through performance balances, will be awarded to 23 states that are eligible to receive it.

"More children now have the advantages health coverage provides," Sebelius said. "And parents now have the security of knowing their children can get the health care they need without worrying that an illness could leave them with a lifetime of medical bills."

If consumers are searching for a family plan, but for some reason are not qualified for a government-sponsored plan, it may benefit them to look for affordable health insurance quotes. There may be a private plan that has what they are looking for.

A recent report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services noted that states will receive more power regarding the Affordable Care Act, if a proposal is accepted.

The new proposal would give states more autonomy to do what they perceive to be the best interest of their citizens, the report noted. This includes selecting a current healthplan offered in the state to use as the option to build off of for use in its healthcare exchange. The choice could be either initially tailored for state, federal and commercial options.

"Under the Affordable Care Act, consumers and small businesses can be confident that the insurance plans they choose and purchase will cover a comprehensive and affordable set of health services," said Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of HHS.  "Our approach will protect consumers and give states the flexibility to design coverage options that meet their unique needs."

Those consumers who are uneasy about what healthcare reform can bring, may want to look for health insurance quotes that could help them secure a plan now. Many private plans are affordable and could be good options.