Today in America, many more of its population is in need of affordable health care. Some employers for hardworking employees have had to cut back on some of the health care for everyone because of the rising costs and working with a budget. I am one of those people affected by these rises because a couple of years ago my company's health care plan was changed, resulting in fewer benefits. Just before Christmas, the company announced some changes including the replacement of our, now to expensive, health care supplier.

They said it was necessary if all their employees were to have the same level of health care. I don't doubt that many people will say that I am still doing alright and shouldn't complain. The new insurance company may be cheaper for the company but it isn't for me because to have my husband and daughter in the plan costs double what it did with the previous provider. Lower cost cover may be available for all my colleagues now plus the company has saved money but if I want to keep my family on the plan, I will have to settle for a lower income.

My health care may still be very good despite the fact that the old company was much better than this new one. In my opinion, the company's search for affordable health care not only left all of us with a significant cut in our paychecks, but higher co-pays and more out-of-pockets expenses from us. You see, my previous plan paid my entire hospital bill just over 3 years ago when I had my little boy. Working out that same stay with the new plan would mean approximately 4,000 dollars would have to be paid by me.

Keep in mind that although I would have to pay hospital fees, there is also the small matter of my co-pays as well. Affordable health care options are becoming more widely available because there is a desperate need for them. For workers in companies without health care plans and single mums for instance, this is a God send. Unfortunately, there are always a few that want to ruin it for the rest and this system is prone to misuse.

Those less well off are in need of these affordable health care schemes but they are also used by those who are intent on living of the state and do not actually contribute to society. We often forget who is ultimately paying for these schemes; us, the taxpayer. Financially speaking, my company saw the real advantage to this switch and some of the employees. It worked out just fine for my employers when they switched providers but many of us are paying the price. Affordable health care is a long term issue that needs addressing in this country because it's those worst off who are affected.