Health insurance is a necessity for most people given the high cost of medical care. Many businesses provide this coverage for employees and their families. However, many Americans do not have coverage. A large number of people work as independent contractors and thus have no health insurance provided by an employer. Others work for companies that do not provide coverage. And still others are unemployed, retired or otherwise unable to get coverage. Congress has debated for many years about providing so-called universal coverage for every person in the country. However, up to now, no legislation has passed to put such a law into effect.