Health Care Systems

In the U.S., health care providers, insurers, employers, and the government are all unofficial partners in a complicated health care "system." In contrast to most other nations where the government finances health care for the majority of its residents, most Americans have some form of private health insurance sponsored by employers. A sizable share have government-sponsored insurance, with those over 65 years of age covered by a federal program (Medicare) and some poor children and their families eligible for a state-federal program (Medicaid). There are many health care reform groups and many opinions on how the American health care system can be improved.