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Americans across the nation are watching closely as the House and Senate prepare to debate health care reform proposals. Reactions to proposed legislation cover a wide spectrum among constituents, from frustration to fury to breathless anticipation. Roadblocks have surfaced on both sides of the issue as questions arise regarding the best way to bring about needed reform.

For average Americans, concern over health care becomes personal as they seek to find affordable coverage that still allows them to maintain a measure of control over the care they receive. Problems with the current system include millions of uninsured or underinsured Americans, skyrocketing health care costs, and employer based systems which leave some without coverage when they change jobs or work for a small business that cannot afford to provide coverage.

Solutions offered by Congressional Democrats propose a public insurance option that would compete with private insurance companies for customers, a health insurance mandate to ensure that all people are covered, and regulations for insurance companies that prevent denial of coverage based on pre-existing health conditions as well as an end to caps on coverage amounts. Republicans offer ideas such as tort reform, health savings accounts, and tax credits. They oppose the public option, arguing that private companies can't hope to compete with government offerings and that private insurers would be driven out of business leaving health care totally under the jurisdiction of the government. Ultimately, the big question is how much government involvement there should be in health insurance options and health care programs. Regardless of which side of the debate you come down on, just about everyone recognizes the need for health care reform to stop the skyrocketing costs and to keep coverage available to those who need it.

Current health insurance options leave many people scrambling to make their co-payments and pay for treatments that may not be covered by their health plans. While some people choose to remain uninsured because they are young and healthy, others simply can't afford the monthly premiums. Affordable health insurance options are available, but many people don't know how to find them or how to make sure they provide the coverage needed. That's where an online comparison service can help. Insurance comparison websites allow you to enter your specific information and then retrieve quotes from various companies so that you can compare plans and costs. Especially for those who don't have the option of employer-based health insurance, shopping around is the best way to find a plan that meets your needs and fits your budget.

Whatever results from the current on-going health care debate, average Americans need to know where they can turn for help in the event of catastrophic injury or illness. Finding an insurance company that offers adequate coverage at an affordable cost may take some effort, but there are options out there that make the search worth your while. As Congress prepares to debate the options on the table, citizens should research the issues so that they are prepared to make the health care decisions that could save their lives.