Today, more people have health insurance than ever before in our country's history. Love it or hate it, health care reform has resulted in an estimated 20 million people moving under the health insurance umbrella, according to a recent report by the Department of Health and Human Services.

But for many people — even those with good medical plans through their employer — that umbrella is either too small or has a few leaky spots.

That's especially true when it comes to a serious illness such as a heart attack, stroke, or cancer. Today's high-deductible health plans, coinsurance, and copays can leave employees with significant financial exposure before insurance covers a dime. Add in related costs that medical insurance won't cover — travel to and from therapy and specialist appointments, child care during treatment, lost income for missed time at work, adaptive devices or home modifications — and the tab can grow rapidly.

Americans at risk

It's not all bad news: The death rate from heart disease has dropped significantly in the past decade, according to the American Heart Association's 2016 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update. But the burden and risk factors remain alarmingly high.