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HARRIS -- There are over 50 million uninsured residents across the U.S. and over one million just in the state of Michigan.

If you fall under that statistic, how will the new federal health care plan affect you?  And what kind of impact will it have on organizations that help uninsured residents?

Changes from the nationwide health care plan are already in effect, and officials say thousands are getting help.  That was a topic at Friday's Ninth Annual U.P. Health Access Coalition's fall conference.  The coalition helps low income, uninsured residents.

But will that change with the new health care plan?  Officials say we'll have to see.

Just this past year, the coalition has served over 3,000 uninsured U.P. residents.  While officials believe some people will fall through the gaps with the new health care plan, they're still uncertain exactly how much it will impact the non-profit organization.

"We're really unsure at this point, and change is always scary," explained UPHAC Executive Director, Benji Wood.  "We still think there's going to be a need out there for us really at this point.  We're just trying to find out what our niche is going to be in the future."

What is known, officials say, is that uninsured Michigan residents are already getting help through the plan.

"The new "high risk pool," which is for people with pre-existing conditions, is now available in Michigan, and that will benefit 3,500 people who currently couldn't get health insurance," said MHA Director of Government Relations, Chris Mitchell.

Coalition officials say they'll continue to help U.P. residents.  If you'd like more information, click here.