Americans are finding the cost of health insurance increasing, so that the need for affordable health care is on the rise. A number of employers have reduced their health care benefits because accountants are working to tighter budgets and the costs of providing this service have risen. How do I know this, well because I am one of those people affected and despite a very good job, before 2006, the health care package at work was first rate. Suddenly, my employer announced it was getting too expensive and was switching health care providers. Unfortunately, the old system didn't benefit everyone in the company but the new one would, it was claimed. I don't doubt that many people will say that I am still doing alright and shouldn't complain. 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. One of ways to decrease the risk of disease occurring, sometimes it is necessary to have coffee water filter. 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. Increased out of pocket expenses and higher co-pays and less money in our paychecks are the result of my company's change to an affordable health care provider. 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. Today, if I had a baby, it would cost me around four thousand dollars for my expenses. You also have to bear in mind that this additional expense is just the hospital bill and doesn't include the additional work fees I must now pay. The availability of affordable health care plans is on the increase which should help those less fortunate. Single mothers, families working for companies that don't offer coverage, low-income households - they are all able to get low cost or even 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. There are just too many people who want nothing more than the state to pay for them and make it harder for those who are in genuine need of affordable health care, trying to improve their circumstances. 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. Less take home pay was the result of my company's health provider switch with many of its workforce the ones seeing less money to take home for their families. In the long term we really need to do something in America to help those in need find affordable health care.