National Health Insurance

By: EconomyWatch Content   Date: 17 February 2010

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In the US, there are several public health insurance programs dedicated to certain sections of society. For instance, there are national health insurance programs for the elderly, low income individuals, veterans, disabled people, children, pregnant women and military personnel. Approximately 27.8% of the American population is covered by government programs.

National Health Insurance: Public Health Insurance Programs

Here are the main public health insurance programs in the US:

Medicare: Funded by the federal government, this health insurance program aims to provide low cost coverage to elderly workers, including their dependents. To qualify for Medicare coverage you should be

  • over the age of 65,

  • disabled if under 65 or

  • in the final stages of renal disease

A number of private companies provide Medicare coverage through their association with the federal government. If you qualify for Medicare health insurance, you can choose from three different types of Medicare programs.

Medicaid: This is a United States social health program for low income individuals and families. Started in 1965, Medicaid is managed by the states and funded in collaboration with the federal government. People with certain disabilities and pregnant women also qualify for Medicaid coverage. Although Medicaid is the primary funding source for low income Americans, around 60% of them are not covered by this program. Moreover, due to the lower reimbursement rates, several physicians have denied accepting Medicaid.

State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP): This program is jointly funded by the state and federal government. The program caters to children in families that do not meet the eligibility criteria for Medicaid but still find it difficult to afford private insurance. The requirements for SHIP programs are stipulated by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for states to manage these programs. These programs can also be structured independently as an expansion of the Medicaid programs.

Indian Health Service: This health service caters to the large American Indian community. Eligible American Indians can get medical assistance at various IHS facilities in the US. These facilities also provide them assistance in the payment for services that they take from non-IHS health care providers.

TRICARE: This program is oriented towards the United States Department of Defense Military Health System. Military personnel, those who have retired from the military and their dependents can enjoy civilian health benefits provided by TRICARE.


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