Introduction
Health insurance in the U.S. is a contract with an insurance company in which the person pays a certain amount each month to the company, which takes care of some of the medical expenses if the person is sick. Approximately 90% of Americans have health insurance to get access to treatment, which is extremely expensive in the U.S. (Berkowitz, 2021). Therefore, it is important to describe the main types of insurance and insurance programs that protect the health of American citizens.
Comparison of Health Insurance Plan Types
Health maintenance organizations are considered cost-effective as they offer many doctors and clinics that patients can visit. Preferred provider organizations provide access to a broad base of clinics. Still, the cost of this coverage is times higher than the previous plan. In addition, point-of-service is a less popular plan, similar to health maintenance organizations, but more expensive (Berkowitz, 2021). Exclusive provider organizations also have limited access to clinics and medical services, but do not exceed the basic referral to a general practitioner.
Insurance Coverage Levels and Specialized Policies
Furthermore, each type of insurance has its tariff plan. Platinum, gold, silver, bronze, and minimum coverage plans exist. The range of services that insurance can cover also depends on the plan. Moreover, to visit a dentist or an ophthalmologist, one must have a separate insurance policy (Berkowitz, 2021). This means that all segments of the U.S. population can access medical care regardless of their financial capabilities.
Government-Funded Health Insurance Programs
The U.S. government funds two types of health insurance plans, Medicare and Medicaid. They are specifically designed for the elderly, people with disabilities, persons living below the poverty line, and teenagers. To get it, it is necessary to prove that a person cannot afford to pay for insurance on their own (Berkowitz, 2021). In this case, several medical services, including ambulance service, will be provided to patients free of charge.
Conclusion
In summary, healthcare in the United States is financially challenging. Hence, there are health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations, point-of-service, and exclusive provider organizations. Additionally, every type of insurance offers insurance bundles that cover its services. Government-funded programs like Medicare and Medicaid are available to persons who cannot afford health insurance. Therefore, health insurance allows everyone in America to access medical care.
Reference
Berkowitz, E. N. (2021). Essentials of health care marketing. Jones & Bartlett Learning.