Many people in the USA are looking for more affordable health care owing to the continued increase in premiums. To make matters worse, the average worker is finding that the level of cover he received for himself and his family is being reduced. It wasn't that long ago that I had a fantastic health plan but all that has changed. Last fall, out of the blue, we were informed that our health care provider was going to be switched to a cheaper alternative.

The company was seeking a more cost effective plan that would benefit all of its employees. Although I am just as well looked after with this new policy, I'm not entirely convinced. The problem is that in an effort to find a less expensive insurance, having my husband and daughter on the policy is now costing twice the amount it did before. Ok, so many other people benefit, including my company, but my paycheck is considerably lighter now that the premium has doubled to keep my family on the policy.

OK, so my health care is still respectable but the new company that we have is not as good as our previous. To my mind the whole point of providing this ‘new' affordable health care scheme was a cost cutting exercise for the company which just meant greater expense for some of their employees. I know this because my old plan paid all of my hospital expenses when I had my little girl just over 4 years ago. Compare this to the new health care plan and I would be out of pocket by over 4,000 dollars.

Keep in mind that although I would have to pay hospital fees, there is also the small matter of my co-pays as well. There is obviously a market for these schemes because more and more affordable health care options are becoming available. Some people are even able to get free health care, also single mothers or families where an employment scheme isn't available are having the opportunity to join low cost plans. Whilst I appreciate these programs because they are saving lives and helping people to grow stronger and healthier, some people take advantage of them.

Perhaps some form of means testing is needed for people so that only genuine cases have the benefit of affordable health care. Sometimes it's hard because your conscience says you should help but you know that many people that do not deserve help will benefit and the taxpayer is the one who pays. It is true to say that my employer is very happy because he found distinct benefits to finding a different health plan program. Having a reduced income seems to be the result of these work changes with only the company truly benefiting. If we are to help the worst affected, we need to start looking at long term options for Americans in providing cost effective, affordable health care.