Overview of Health Plans in the Unites States

Overview of Health Plans in the Unites StatesHow health insurance works in the United States is one of the most exciting questions for those planning a move or long-term residence in the United States.

It is believed that health services in the United States are among the most expensive in the world. Even for a simple test or an elementary procedure, the patient can be charged a bill of several thousand dollars. In order to protect residents of the country from such expenses, the health insurance system is created.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation’s Center for the Study of American Health:

We analyze what types of insurance exist in the USA and whether it is possible to get insurance for free.

How does the insurance system work in general?

It is assumed that legal residents of the United States pay a certain amount (usually $ 250-400) monthly to the insurance company, which in turn covers part of its costs in case of illness. True, some insurance plans have a certain limit – the maximum amount that a patient will have to pay for medical bills within one year. This limit is usually between $ 1,000 and $ 5,000.

For example, you underwent an urgent operation worth $10,000. You you pay $ 2,000, and the rest is covered by the insurance company. In fact, US health insurance only covers up to 80% of your medical expenses.

Types of health insurance

Important! Remember that each type of insurance has its own tariff plan: platinum, gold, silver, bronze and minimum coverage. The range of services that insurance can cover its cost also depends on the tariff plan. By the way, you need to have a separate insurance to go to the dentist or ophthalmologist.

How and where to buy health insurance in the USA?

Insurance in the United States is purchased during a certain period of the year – from November 15 to February 15. An exception is a change in the family composition, relocation, and similar reasons. In this case, you can buy health insurance outside this period.

Insurances are purchased on the dedicated Health Insurance MarketPlace. It is collected all the proposals of the companies, taking into account the income of each client. After all, the cost and package of services for people with low and high incomes will differ.

By the way, part of the US states denied the federal website Health Insurance MarketPlace. Because of this, they were allowed to create their own platforms for placing offers of insurance companies. You can find a website for buying insurance in the desired state on the ObamaCare portal. Information is updated monthly.

Category: General

Tags: health insurance, insurance