How Healthcare Generally Works in The USA

Dear Canadians, here's how health insurance generally works in the USA

How to Get Health Insurance

Types of Health Insurance

Who Administers the Health Insurance

Perscription Drugs

Dental and Vision Care

Children and Health Insurance

Disability and Health Insurance

Strengths and Drawbacks

America has two main types of insurance: HMO and PPO

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)

An HMO works much like 99% of the Candian healthcare system. On an HMO, you pick a family doctor (aka a primary care physician in the USA) and they coordinate your care. They choose the tests and specialists you need and ask for referrals on your behalf. They also ping your health insurance for something called pre-authorization so that they know your insurance will cover

PPO (Preferred Provider Organization)