Today in America, many more of its population is in need of affordable health care. Many companies are now increasing the charges, for providing this service to their workers or cutting back on the level of cover. Before this year, I had great health care with my company but it has reduced this year so I know this is the reason. Suddenly, my employer announced it was getting too expensive and was switching health care providers.

The excuse was that they were trying to ensure the new package would help everyone in the company. Many people I've spoken to are happy with the new insurance and that I am just as well provided for. 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. 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.

To be honest, I got on well with the old provider but can't see that happening here even if the health care plan is half decent. It's all very well making the excuse that you are searching for a more affordable health care alternative but it doesn't wash when you see reducing your income but also out of pocket expenses also. I am sure of this because just over 2 years ago when I had my little boy, the stay in hospital was completely covered by my insurance policy. I sat and worked out the cost of this new plan and if I were to stay in hospital now and have a baby it would cost around 4,000 dollars out of my own pocket.

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. There is obviously a market for these schemes because more and more affordable health care options are becoming available. For workers in companies without health care plans and single mums for instance, this is a God send. In principle, these plans are a good thing but there are always those that misuse it making the situation difficult for genuine cases.

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. By switching providers, it was my company that realized the true advantages of this low cost option and a number of employees. Having a reduced income seems to be the result of these work changes with only the company truly benefiting. Affordable health care is a long term issue that needs addressing in this country because it's those worst off who are affected.