As the rising number of uninsured Americans becomes ever more conspicuous, states and cities alike are beginning to put forward plans to encourage more people to buy insurance and make health insurance available to those who currently can't afford coverage. In the state of Massachusetts, increases in financial penalties are proposed that would levy as much as $912 per year for those in the highest income brackets who choose not to buy health insurance. (Boston Globe, Jan 11, 2008)

Meanwhile in San Francisco, a local program to provide medical insurance to those without private coverage and not in existing public health-care programs received a boost Wednesday following an appeals court decision in favor of the new plan. (Report in Reuters, Jan 9, 2008.)

The idea is simple enough, funded in part by fees imposed on employers, to provide coverage to the uninsured. At a time when more and more employers are shying away from group insurance, the plan would give new hope to Bay area residents unable to afford individual health insurance.

It is one of many such plans being considered across the country. And though each plan differs in nature, the issue of health insurance is clearly receiving increasing attention across the country.

More on California Health Insurance.

More on Massachusetts Health Insurance.