Describe the three main types of health insurance in the United States, referring specifically to voluntary health insurance, social health insurance, and welfare medicine.

What will be an ideal response?

• Voluntary or private health insurance (usually provided in connection with employment) in the United States can be subdivided into three distinct categories: (1) Blue Cross and Blue Shield, (2) private or commercial insurance companies, and (3) health maintenance organizations. Private health insurance coverage varies widely in terms of benefits provided, the extent of reimbursement for covered services, and exclusions or limitations. General health insurance plans are designed to provide limited protection for the most expensive services; inpatient hospital and physician services; and outpatient hospital services, including laboratory procedures. Most comprehensive health insurance policies provide basic benefits and are designed to protect against large medical bills as well as many expenses associated with routine types of medical care. Other types of voluntary health insurance include hospital indemnity policies and prepaid plans.
• Social health insurance is an entitlement program, not charity, and includes the government sponsored Workers’ Compensation program and Medicare Part A Hospital Insurance. These programs are usually linked to previous or current employment.
• Welfare medicine or public assistance programs are sponsored by a plethora of federal, state, and local government programs; Medicaid, in particular, is the most far-reaching program. The Medicaid program provides “in kind” transfer payments to individuals who fall below a specific income threshold.