US HEALTHCARE RESOURCES

The United States, like other countries provide both private and public health insurance, but there is far more private than public healthcare. It is the only industrialized country that does not have publicly mandated government-funded coverage for all citizens (apart from South Africa). At the same time however, healthcare expenditures in the US total over 15% of the GDP, which is greater than any other developed country.
Most people in the US obtain insurance through their employer or on their own. Unfortunately almost 17% of the population are uninsured and have to pay upfront which leads to delay in medical care, missed tests, treatments and follow-up. Almost 20% of the uninsured population is able to afford insurance, almost 25% are eligible for public coverage, and the rest (56%) need financial assistance (8.9% of the US population).

Private Health Insurance:
There are over 1000 private health insurance companies and most offer a fee-for-service insurance plan (with higher premiums) and at usually more than one type of managed care plan (health care delivery system with restrictions on provide choice and referrals, and with lower premiums, eg HMO, PPO, and POS). Some insurance plans cover medications while others do not. Cost-sharing (co-pays and deductibles) is also variable. 60% of the population obtain insurance from employers, while just above 9% buy their own.

(See below for resources)

Of the many insurance providers, Blue Cross/Blue Shield is a nonprofit carrier that is regulated by insurance agencies in each state. It is an insurance provider for 30 %-50% of working people in the US. Blue Cross caters to hospital costs, while Blue Shield pays for medical tests.

Government-funded Insurance:
Almost 30% of the population is covered by public health care, much lower than other developed nations.

Medicare is provided by the Federal government (through social security) and is for those >65 yo regardless of income and people of any age with chronic disabilities or debilitating illnesses. It covers inpatient hospital costs, home health care, nursing home care for up to 3 months post-hospitalization, hospice care, dialysis, physical therapy, laboratory tests, outpatient care, physician bills, ambulance service and medical equipment. Note that the latter 7 services listed are optional and have a 20% copayment and at least a $100 deductible.

Medicaid is managed by both the federal and state governments. Eligible people include those with very low income (indigent) except childless adults, with 1/3 of the medicaid budget allocated to nursing home care for indigent elderly people. It also provides for inpatient and outpatient hospital costs, physician bills, home health care, hospice care, laboratory tests, dialysis, medication and very importantly long-term nursing care that is not funded by medicare.

In addition, the Department of Veteran Affairs directly provides health care to injured U.S. military veterans and current servicemen and women through a nationwide network of government hospitals (non-injured veterans are often not covered). It baiscally offers extremely affordable and sometimes free care to veterans.

Other public systems include S-CHIP: The State Children's Insurance Program (S-CHIP) covers children whose familes make too much income to qualify for Medicaid but have too little to buy private health insurance.

Although many states have discussed an overhaul of the US health system, only a few states have really attempted to provide universal health care coverage, eg Minnesota and Massachusetts (Massachusetts 2006 Health Reform Statute). Other US states (in particular New Jersey) help to cover many people (but not all) by reimbursing hospitals and other health-care providers using what is generally characterized as a charity care scheme.

Charity and Free Clinic facilities:
These centers offer healthcare for free or for a small fee and generally limited to those with lower income and no health insurance, including those not eligible for Medicaid and Medicare. They primarily treat acute, non-emergency conditions and some primary care for prevention and chronic conditions. There are a few that have pharmacies and dental services.
The staff are usually volunteer healthcare professionals and the facilities rely heavily on private donations, foundations, the United Way, and local goverments. There have been some student-run clinics (eg Stanford University Arbor Clinic, and San Jose's Pacific Free Clinic) that provide for the underserved community and help provide training for medical students.The Bureau of Primary Health Care is a site that a will help you find a clinic for medical care, even if you are lacking medical insurance or money.

CA: Berkeley Free Clinic , Haight-Ashbury free clinic (SF), Los Angeles free clinic http://www.rotacare.org/ (SF Bay Area), Free Clinic of Simi ValleyVA: Harrisonburg Rockingham Free ClinicNY: Free clinics in New York cityNYC: EHHOP - Free Clinic in El Barrio, New York CityOR: North By Northeast Community Health Center

Other health provision sites

Medical conditions/disease Information:
Since 1996, Medifocus has been the largest provider of medical information reports to consumers in North America. The management team, supported by a highly experienced group of medical research professionals, along with the assistance of the Medical Advisory Board, are dedicated to providing the latest and most comprehensive detailed information about specific medical conditions. The Guides are updated regularly using the most trusted peer-reviewed medical information sources. Medifocus has medical information Guides for over 120 medical conditions, including cancer, heart ailments and women's health issues.

Health Insurance resources:

provides information to make it easier and less stressful to find Health Insurance tailored to your budget and needs. It remains a free service.

will get you insurance quotes from top insurance companies. All you need to do is compare coverage and pick which policy is the best for you. Along with auto, home, life and health insurance rates, they also provide health discount program quotes.

enables you to fill out one quick and easy to use free quote form in less than a minute and compare multiple insurance policies from hundreds of insurance companies. It caters to health, life, disability, auto, home, renters, long term care, cancer, burial, group insurance or annuity rates. This company aims to find you low cost coverage for the cheapest price.will get you insurance quotes from top insurance companies. All you need to do is compare coverage and pick which policy is the best for you. Along with auto, home, life and health insurance rates, they also provide health discount program quotes.

ClickOnHealth is free to join service that helps you save money on your healthcare needs by connecting you with trusted healthcare providers. In some case you may even qualify for free offers~ from gift cards to Starbucks, Macy's and Barnes & Noble to free books on specific healthcare topics. In particular it caters to those with diabetes, with home delivery of your diabetic supplies at little or no cost, and they are currently giving away $10 gift cards. ClickonHealth also helps those with disabilities to obtain scooters or power wheelchairs from a ClickOnHealth partner at little or no cost. Moreover this company helps to find resources for sleep apnea, again at low cost or for free depending on your situation!!!

Dental:

have over 30 Nationwide plans and over 100,000 participating providers in combined networks. Save up to 60% on most dental care procedures. (Actual costs and savings vary by geographic area. Simply present your ID card for immediate savings at the time services are rendered).

Supplements and dietary:

Vitacost is an Inc 500 Award Winner & Hall of Fame member. It carries over 6,000 nutritional and homeopathic products by over 350 top brands. With savings of up to 75% off retail prices, it's a top value supplement store.provides doctor quality natural herbs, vitamins and supplements-up to 80% off retail. Free shipping over $50.00 in the USA. International shipping to over 40 countries. 400 plus products available. 100% guarantee.
COUPON: $5 off of orders $50 and over. Coupon Code: 5624

presents a wide range of premium dietary supplements to promote better health, formulated with all-natural extracts, mixed for optimal potency and effectiveness, using whenever applicable, key ingredients and plants from the Amazon Rainforest.

Orthotics:

sells all forms of orthopedic braces and supports, as well as Far Infrared and Magnetic healing products. They carry: back braces, knee braces, wrist braces, ankle braces, elbow braces, shoulder braces, thigh supports, posture supports, graduated compression socks and hosiery, hernia supports, pillows, and mattress toppers.

Miscellaneous Health needs/online pharmacies

is a licensed online Pharmacy for Over-the-Counter Products for Diabetes Supplies, Skin care & Beauty Products, Health Products, and Medical Emergency supplies. Darisimall.com, a Retail Website, was established in 1998 and has a customer base of more than 300,000 valuable customers. They have over 19,500 products from several Shopping categories. Senior care and Home Medical management is a major priority for them.Darisimall.com offers $10 OFF on Every Purchase of $200 or more by using discount code "sai108".

American Medical ID have a variety of custom-engraved medical identification bracelet and necklace styles. These bracelets have important information on medical conditions, drug and food allergies, prescribed medicines and emergency contacts engraved onto the surface of a medical identification jewelry piece. The medical ID will alert a doctor or medic before starting treatment and is particularly important in emergency situations when prompt treatment is required, and certain precautions and drugs need to be administered or avoided depending on the information on the ID band.
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