The US healthcare system is unique and understanding its aspects is crucial for anyone planning to live, work or even visit the country.
That’s why, in this article, we’re going to unravel how the healthcare system works in the United States and everything you need to know before you go there.
Stay with us to find out all about it!
How does the healthcare system work in the United States?
The healthcare system in the United States is characterized by a combination of public and private programs.
Among the public programs are Medicare, which serves the elderly over 65, and Medicaid, aimed at low-income families.
In addition to these, there is also private health insurance, usually provided by employers.
These plans vary significantly in terms of coverage, costs and the network of medical service providers.
An important aspect to consider is that in the US, there is no universal health coverage system like in some other countries.
The US government subsidy is mainly available to people below the poverty line, and even then, assistance is generally limited to emergencies.
With the introduction of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), known as Obamacare, in 2014, the American healthcare system underwent significant changes.
This act is not health insurance in itself, but a regulation that requires insurers to offer a minimum of 10 essential coverages, including preventive and outpatient care with a discount based on the person’s income bracket.
US health programs
As we have seen, Medicaid and Medicare are the basis of the US healthcare system and understanding both is essential for anyone wishing to travel or move to the United States.
See below for the differences between the two:
Medicaid
Medicaid is a medical assistance program for individuals and families with limited financial resources.
This program is essential for many Americans, as it provides coverage for a wide range of health services, including hospitalizations, doctor visits, long-term care and more.
It’s important to note that Medicaid is administered by the states, which means that eligibility and benefits can vary from one state to another.
This program is particularly relevant for people on low incomes, children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with disabilities.
Medicare
Medicare, on the other hand, is a federal health insurance program aimed primarily at people aged 65 and over, although it also caters for some younger people with specific disabilities and patients with end-stage renal disease.
This program is divided into several parts:
- Part A (hospitalization);
- Part B (medical insurance);
- Part C (Medicare Advantage – an alternative package offered by private companies);
- Part D (prescription drug coverage).
Medicare offers comprehensive coverage, although beneficiaries have to pay some out-of-pocket costs, depending on the nature of the health services they need.
Differences between the Brazilian and American health systems
The Brazilian and American health systems are structurally similar, with private systems for those who can afford medical services and a public system for those who can’t afford to pay.
In Brazil, we have the Unified Health System (SUS), which is internationally recognized as one of the best public health systems in the world.
There are also private health insurance options that you can take out to avoid queues at public hospitals.
In the US, on the other hand, the health system is based on private and public insurance.
Public insurance is mainly represented by Medicare and Medicaid, while private insurance includes employer-sponsored plans and the individual market.
I’m traveling to the USA: do I need to take out health insurance?
Yes. For trips to the USA, it is highly recommended to take out specific travel health insurance.
These insurances are more affordable and offer cover for unforeseen situations during your stay.
Travel insurance prices for the USA start at around R$10 per day of travel.
This is a more economical and practical option for tourists and short-term travelers, guaranteeing essential protection without the high cost of regular health insurance.
Immigrate to the United States with help from D4U Immigration!
When you decide to immigrate to the United States, understanding the healthcare system is just one of many important steps.
At D4U Immigration, we offer complete assistance to make this process easier.
Our team of experts is ready to help you at every stage of your immigration journey, including choosing the best health plan to suit your needs and budget.
In addition to guidance on the healthcare system, we provide advice on legal issues, visas, financial planning and other essential services to ensure a smooth and successful transition to the United States.
Our experience and expertise are key to helping you and your family navigate this new chapter with confidence and peace of mind.
Start your journey to the United States with D4U Immigration!