Government Health Care

The American government does not operate a universal health care system, but there are federal and state government-funded programs for special populations that ease the burden of health care costs.

General Health Care

• Most Americans rely on health care plans that require a pay-in system that is either privately funded or funding in conjunction with their employers. Preferred plan organizations (PPOs) run by giving members incentives that cut costs to use specific doctors for health care. When high-deductible plans are used in conjunction with health savings accounts, people can save and earn interest on unused health care dollars that can come in handy should a major medical situation arise. Others participate in health maintenance organizations (HMOs), which for relatively low premiums, use a special network of doctors to cover most health issues. These plans, however, are too expensive for some populations. The government has remedies to help those who need assistance.

Medicare

• Medicare is a federally-funded plan that helps cover the cost of health care for qualified elderly or disabled individuals. People who are age 65 and over and collect social security disability checks qualify for Medicare. People under 65 can also qualify if they have certain disabilities.

  Medicare works under two plans: Plan A and Plan B. For Plan A, Medicare patients receive free or low-cost care for certain health care actions like emergency care or general check-ups. Plan B covers other more specified actions such as rehabilitation therapy in exchange for a low yearly premium. Qualified patients also receive discounted rates on prescription medications.

Medicaid

• Medicaid is a program that is jointly funded by the federal and state governments. It is reserved for people with low incomes, but other factors must also be considered. There are more than 50 different groups of people who qualify. Medicaid qualifiers must meet both income and special disability factors, such as blindness or loss of limbs. Pregnant women or women with children under 6 years old and making below the poverty level also qualify.

Federal Employees

• For those who work in civil service for the government, there are health care plans that offer even better discounts. HMOs, PPOs and High-deductible/health savings account plans are offered at lower rates in exchange for participation. The Federal Employee Health Benefits website can outline and compare rates for current or potential government workers.

Veterans Administration

• Those who volunteered for military service and are considered veterans are eligible for Veterans Administration (VA) care. When veterans enroll in the VA health care system, they are assigned to primary care physicians located in VA clinics or hospitals. They must be seen at least once a year to remain the VA system. Physicians will refer patients to specialists for their ailments. In some cases, VA doctors will refer patients to specialists outside the system.