Identify and describe the three main types of health insurance in the U.S.
Voluntary (Public) Health Insurance: This is provided through one’s employment. There are three sub categories: Blue Cross and Blue Shield, private insurance companies and health maintenance organizations. According to the text, “the respective sponsorships of these types may be providers, third parties, and patients or independent carriers”.
Social Health Insurance: Associated with previous employment. Two types programs are Workers Compensation and Medicare. Workers Compensation are benefits paid to an employee during a time when he or she is unable to work because of a work related injury. These benefits include cash payments to replace a paycheck and medical coverage. There is an exchange between the employee & employer for this; the employee gives up the right to take legal action against the employer and the employer accepts liability for the injury. Medicare is benefits for the elderly, disabled, or other qualified individuals (only Part A would fall under this category).
Public Assistance: This is geared to individuals and families with little or no income. Each state varies in who qualifies and how benefits are applied. In Pennsylvania, one of their goals is to “improve and sustain the quality of family life”. Various health services such as Autism Services, Mental Health Services, and Attendant Care are available to Pennsylvania residents. In Pennsylvania, one of their goals is to “improve and sustain the quality of family life”. Various health services such as Autism Services, Mental Health Services, and Attendant Care are available to Pennsylvania residents.
Describe the three methods for categorizing health insurance in the U.S. One method of categorizing health insurance is according to the combination of products supplied by the employer. In addition to health