HealthService.comPrivate Healthcare in the US
Since there is no nationally public funded heathcare in the US, most individuals in this country have private medical insurance, either by taking out a policy on their own or through the companies they work with.
Employer-sponsored Healthcare Coverage
Businesses pay the premiums of the healthcare policies as part of an employee benefit package. Employees can also make contributions by paying a small percentage each month, but the bulk of the costs are borne by the employer. When employees are hired, they must give the details of the type of plan they want, such as for themselves only or for family coverage. Some of these policies also cover dental and include life insurance as well as coverage for medical costs associated with doctor’s visits, prescription drugs and long-term care.
Although some small businesses do have healthcare policies for their employees, many of these are in the form of self-insuring plans. In this the employer does not manage the plan, but works through a third party and the employees pay for part of the plan through deductions from the wages.
Federal Government Health Coverage
Employees of the federal government in the US are part of the FEHBP, which provides health benefits for active civilian employees. Members of the Armed Forces receive coverage under the Department of Defense Military System, known as MHS.
There are various types of health insurance policies that individuals can purchase on their own. These include fee-for service policies for hospital visits. The individual pays the medical bill and then submits the receipts to the company for reimbursement of a percentage of the costs. Some companies pay 100% of the costs depending on the individual policy.
Blue Cross is a prepayment type of Healthcare insurance. The amounts the individuals pay in insurance premiums goes toward future costs that they may incur when they become ill.
Disability insurance is a type of healthcare insurance an individual can have to cover the costs associated with everyday life should this person become disabled and unable to work. The amount paid out replaces the income the individual would otherwise have each month. Other options can be added to a policy to cover vision, dental, and specified diseases that are usually not covered under standard policies.