The U.S. healthcare system is one of the most confusing and at the same time most important issues for those who have found themselves in need of start a new life outside of Venezuela.
The fact is that in United Statesthe health care system is not universal. This means that the medical attention depends to a large extent on private insurers, state and federal programsThe insurance coverage is based on the individual's ability to pay for his or her own insurance.
A situation which, as you can imagine, generates doubts and concerns, especially when it comes to our health and that of our families.
Therefore, in this article we will explain how the U.S. healthcare system works and what health insurance options exist, from public programs to insurance private.
Our goal is to give you practical and accessible information so that you can make informed decisions about the health care in your new life in the United States.
We know how complicated it can be to adapt to such a different reality, and we hope that this guide to be useful in your adaptation process.
What is the U.S. healthcare system model like?
The U.S. healthcare system is very different from that of other countries, especially for those of us who come from Venezuelawhere the access to public health is more common (although it also has its problems).
At United Statesmedical care is not a universal right and most people should look for health insurance to cover their medical needs, either through their insurance companies, or through special public programs.
This system is composed of a mixture of public and private health insurance.
Some of the best known health programs are Medicare y Medicaidwhich are government-funded to help low-income persons, persons over 65 years of age or persons with certain disabilities.
However, most of the population obtains its income from the medical insurance through employers, that offer private plans.
For someone moving to United Statesunderstanding how this system works is key, because it is important to know from the outset that without health insurance it is very difficult to cover the costs of medical consultations, hospitalization or treatmentThe cost of these products can be extremely high.
Some key features that will help you understand how it works
The U.S. healthcare system has several characteristics that make it only and for those of us who come from Venezuelamay seem very different or even complicated at first. Here we tell you in a simple way how it works.
It is a mixed system
This means that there are government-financed public insurance and private insurance that are contracted through employers or directly with insurers.
Although this combination may sound interesting, the reality is that the private sector has a much greater weightleaving public programs with certain limitations.
No universal coverage
Unlike in many other countries, where the public health is guaranteed for the entire population, in United States does not exist universal coverage.
Which means that not all citizens or residents have access to basic medical care regardless of their economic situation.
And this is because the U.S. health care system is very focused on the research and innovationwhich has led to impressive advances in medicine and cutting-edge treatments.
However, this focus on technology and innovation is often leaves out the most vulnerable communitiess, who may have difficulties in accessing theaccess to adequate medical care due to high costs.
In an attempt to improving access to health carein 2010 was approved Affordable Care Act (ACA)also known as Obamacareduring the presidency of Barack Obama.
The purpose of this law was to expanding health insurance coverage for Americans who did not have any type of insurance, and improving accessibility to treatment for those who were already insured.
Since its implementation, there has been a increase in the number of people who have health care coveragebut even so, there are still large accessibility gapsespecially for the most disadvantaged.
Variety of insurance
At United Statesthe health system is composed of various types of insurance and each has its own own rules, costs and coverage.
Choosing the right one will depend on your personal situation, such as your age, income and whether you have a job that offers health insurance.
- Medicare: this insurance is intended for persons over the age of 65 years of age or those with disabilities.
- Medicaid: this program is intended for people with low incomeincluding some families, people with disabilities and children.
- SCHIP (State Children's Health Insurance Program): This program covers children from families whose income level is too high to qualify for the program. Medicaidbut too low for pay for private insurance.
- Private health insurance: This type of insurance is common among those who have a job that offers a health plan, but it can also be purchased independently.
- Planes in the short term: these plans offer a limited coverage for a short period of time. They are a temporary option, for example, for those in a transitional employment situation or between jobs.
- Long-term care plans: this type of insurance is designed for those who need extended care or special caresuch as the elderly or people with chronic diseases.
- Tricare: is a coverage specifically for the active or retired military personnel and some of their relatives.
- Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA)This program is intended for spouses, widows, and children of veterans who are not eligible for Tricare.
Many people are left out
Despite the variety of options, they are more of the 8% of the population (25 million people) who do not have any type of coverage.. This includes both citizens as well as immigrantsespecially if they have low-income or do not qualify for public programs.
High costs
The health in the United States is really expensive and this is one of the reasons why it is have health insurance here is fundamental.
Costs can vary greatly depending on what you need, but to give you an idea of what you can expect if you don't have insurance, we will give you some examples that, unfortunately, are quite common:
- Medical consultation with a primary care physician: if you need to see your general practitioner, the consultation usually costs around $100 or more. This is only for a basic visit, not counting additional procedures. If you need to see a specialist, such as a cardiologist or dermatologist, the query can be easily uploaded to $300 or more for just a few minutes of attention.
- Medical examinations and tests: if you are sent for a blood test or some basic medical exams, be prepared to spend around $500 or more. At VenezuelaThose exams are usually much cheaper or, in many cases, are covered by social security. Here, if you don't have insurance, you have to pay for all that yourself.
- Hospitalizations: However, if things get complicated and you need to be hospitalized, the figures are even higher. A appendicitis surgerywhich is a fairly common emergency intervention, can cost you around $50,000 y a Natural childbirth can cost around $30,000.
Can you imagine having to pay for all this without insurance? The medical costs in the United States are so high that they can leave anyone in a difficult financial situation. Therefore, having a adequate health insurance here is not an option, but a necessity.
Is there any assistance for immigrants?
If you are legal immigranti.e., you have the green card or a valid visa, don't worry because you will be entitled to the visa.health coverage in the United States in the same way as a U.S. citizen.
But, if you are not entitled to a public insurance or if you can't afford private insurance, there is a program to help immigrants.
This is administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and is intended to provide coverage to those who do not qualify for other programs or cannot afford private insurance.
At CuriaraWe know that leaving our country is not easy and that arriving in a new place can be a challenge, especially when it comes to understand how the health care system works.
That's why we want to do everything we can to make it possible for your transition as smooth and easy as possible possible. We hope this article has helped you to better understand the healthcare system in the United States and feel more prepared to face any health situation that may arise.
Remember that you are not alone, and we are always here to support you in every way we can. step of your new life outside Venezuela.
Curiara, uniting families.
