Health insurance scheme in the United States

The social security system in the United States differs completely from the German system. Compulsory insurance is unknown and to date widely unsolicited. Only a few special cases enjoy public health care that often is insufficient. Generally speaking, commercial health insurance companies widely shape the health care system, which is characterized by competition. At a maximum, the state only proceeds point by point, if necessary.

Mainly two schemes (Medicare and Medicaid) ensure public health care. Minors and people with low-income or in need, chronically ill, or disabled benefit from Medicare and Medicaid. These schemes provide for a hardly sufficient basic care for people in need. The majority of Americans takes out a private health insurance. Most of Americans are insured by a collective insurance from the employer and additional policies. The problem is if one looses the job, one looses the insurance, provided that one does not find a new job with health insurance, immediately. The costs for chronic ailment and dental care are mostly not completely covered. Therefore, many Americans are nearly forced to take out an additional insurance, at least. Otherwise a visit to the doctor could break the patient. However, the American healthcare system is the most expensive system throughout the world.

Most Americans do not obtain of an individual health insurance which is common in Germany (private health insurance). This kind of insurance would not be affordable for most Americans. The next paragraph deals with the differences and similarities in the field of health insurance.