Health insurance coverage in the United States is provided by several public and private sources. The most common types of health insurance are:
- Private health insurance: This is health insurance that is purchased from a private company. It is the most common type of health insurance in the United States, covering about 66% of the population.
- Medicare: This is a federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older, people with certain disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). It covers about 16% of the population.
- Medicaid: This is a joint federal-state health insurance program for low-income individuals and families. It covers about 18% of the population.
- Tricare: This is a health insurance program for active duty military personnel, their families, and retired military personnel. It covers about 1% of the population.
- Veterans Health Administration (VA) health insurance: This is a health insurance program for veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. It covers about 1% of the population.
In addition to these public and private health insurance programs, there are also a number of government programs that help people pay for health insurance, such as the Health Insurance Marketplace and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, has made significant changes to the health insurance landscape in the United States. The ACA has expanded health insurance coverage to millions of Americans, and it has also made it illegal for insurance companies to deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions.
Despite the ACA, there are still millions of Americans who do not have health insurance. The uninsured rate is highest among young adults, people of color, and people with low incomes.
There are a number of reasons why people do not have health insurance. Some people cannot afford it, while others are ineligible for government programs. There are also a number of people who choose not to have health insurance.
The lack of health insurance can have a number of negative consequences, including financial hardship, poor health outcomes, and even death. The ACA has made it easier for people to get health insurance, but there is still more work to be done to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, quality health care.
If you are uninsured, there are a number of resources available to help you get coverage. You can visit the Health Insurance Marketplace website or contact your state’s health insurance exchange to learn more about your options. You can also contact a health insurance broker or agent for help.