Locating affordable health care for Americans is not as easy as it used to be. 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. Last fall, out of the blue, we were informed that our health care provider was going to be switched to a cheaper alternative.

They said it was necessary if all their employees were to have the same level of health care. Although I am just as well looked after with this new policy, I'm not entirely convinced. To some extent I do agree, but their search for another provider now costs me double the money from my paychecks to have my husband and daughter on my policy. Taking a good deal less home in my paycheck to have my family remain on the healthcare policy seems to be the only option I have because almost everyone else is happy with the new arrangement.

From what I have seen, this new company we are with is not in the same league as the old one even though I still seem to have a reasonably good plan. Many of us aren't happy with the additional out of pocket expenses and less in our paychecks because of our employer's pursuit of an affordable health care company. You see, my previous plan paid my entire hospital bill just over 3 years ago when I had my little boy. Whereas if I were to have that same stay in hospital today it would cost over 4,000 dollars.

However, that amount is just for the hospital and delivery because I would also have other expenses and that just doesn't seem fair to the majority that are involved. Luckily there are more and more affordable health care programs being created to help those that do not have any coverage. Options now exist for people that are not supplied with a health provision where they work, and now single mothers have access to plans which they can join; some people can even have free health care. Whilst I appreciate these programs because they are saving lives and helping people to grow stronger and healthier, some people take advantage of them.

For many people desperately trying to improve their situation these affordable health care plans are a life-line but to others they are just an easy option. We all have a responsibility to help those less fortunate but those who abuse the system put extra financial pressure on the rest of us. Financially speaking, my company saw the real advantage to this switch and some of the employees. Many of the workers found themselves subsidizing the company's desire to save money yet still provide a scheme by ensuring that they paid in their paychecks. We have a responsibility here in America to providing some sort of affordable health care for those that need it most.