The discussion over health care just doesn’t go away, so what are our actual health care insurance options?
Why Do You Need Health Care Insurance?
Healthcare is one of the most hotly debated issued in America still. The pros and cons of Obamacare still split opinions massively. But the fact is, more people are now signed up to health care insurance policies as a result, so it has to be a good thing. We all need to health care insurance policies because this is the only way most of us would be able to afford expensive medical bills.
A privatized health care system makes this necessary. There is next to no chance of America seeing the introduction of a universal health care system anytime soon because of the huge opposition to the idea on the Right of politics. Universal health care is the system whereby health is a public service and free to everyone, and most European countries use this system.
Private Policies
Most people are forced to go with a private insurer, whether it’s their own choice or one provided by an employer, union or other association. There are lots of benefits of going with a private insurer rather than a public one. Firstly, you get increased choice in the marketplace, so you can go elsewhere if you don’t like the service you’re getting.
In theory, the competition in the marketplace should mean that the different medical companies strive to improve their service so as to get the most customers. If this process works as it should, the companies will constantly be improving, and that can only be good for ordinary people.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a type of health care insurance provided by the government and is available to people who can’t afford to get insured privately. Eligibility for the program is based on income, but other people can qualify. Some disabled who don’t qualify for Medicare might be able to qualify for Medicaid, for example.
Rules and eligibility guidelines vary from state to state, so you’ll have to check what the situation is in your area to see if you qualify. What is worrying for many people is that Medicaid is becoming more popular as incomes have stalled, and people aren’t able to afford private policies.
Medicare
Like Medicaid, Medicare is a government-funded program. It gives health care insurance policies to people who are over the age of 65 and disabled people who receive social security. It has also been extended to people with end-stage renal disease. There are big benefits and drawbacks of Medicare for users and non-users alike.
Firstly, if you are over the age of 65, you can claim Medicare, no matter how wealthy you are. This means that the program, funded by taxpayers, can be used by people who don’t necessarily need to use it. But, on the other hand, it is an easy transition from a workplace program to a retirement program for a lot of people. There are also Anthem Medicare Supplement packages that can give you more control over your policy.
There are many options, and it can be hard to understand them all. Hopefully, this guide has made the options clearer.