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UNITED STATES HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

Updated: Jul 11, 2020

The USA is a public and private healthcare system.

  • Medicare is a federal program which funds for the healthcare for adults higher than 65 years, patients with disabilities, for veterans

  • Medicaid for low-income people, children, pregnant women

  • Veteran administration and TRICARE cover veterans

  • Private insurance dominated the market and majorly contributed by employers

  • 15% of insured people have multiple sources of coverage

  • 8.5% of the population are uninsured

OVERVIEW

The United States healthcare system is a mix of public and private health insurance systems. Medicare and Medicaid are the major government programs, and most of the population is covered by private insurance. Private insurance is funded mostly by premiums.

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Key stakeholders in the USA
Key stakeholders in the USA

HHS

The US Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for the health and well-being of all Americans.

CMS

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) administers the nation’s major healthcare programs. The CMS oversees Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a part of HHS and is involved in protecting the safety and health of Americans through the control and prevention of the disease, injury, and disability in the USA. It is majorly involved in controlling infectious diseases, foodborne pathogens, environmental health, and injury prevention.

NIH

It is a part of HHS involved in conducting and supporting medical research.

AHRQ

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) knowledge, tools, and data in order to improve the healthcare system.

FDA

The US Food and Drug Administration is responsible for drug and medical equipment approvals.

The Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) is responsible for ensuring the safety and efficacy of prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs. CDER and Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) are responsible for the approval of the biologics. CBER ensures that biologics are safe and effective for use. The Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) is responsible for the safety and efficacy of medical devices and safe radiation-emitting products.