Health care coverage is often grouped into two general categories: private and public:
- The majority of people in the U.S. have private insurance, which they receive through their employer (which may include nongovernment employers or government employers at the federal, state or local level).
- Some people have public health care coverage through government programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, or the Veteran’s Health Administration.
Here are some resources and tools to help you understand your insurance and coverage benefits.
Health Insurance Basics
This document explains key health insurance concepts that may be helpful in understanding health coverage as well as to consumer advocates who help individuals resolve medical billing problems.
U.S. Dept of Health & Human Services – Health Insurance Basics
Understanding Employer Sponsored Insurance Coverage
Employer-sponsored health insurance (ESI) is the largest source of health coverage for non-elderly U.S. residents.
Kaiser Family Foundation – Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance 101
Understanding Medicare and Medicaid Insurance Coverage
Coverage to Care (C2C) is an initiative, developed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, to help you understand your health coverage and connect you to the primary care and the preventive services that are right for you.
Medicare and Marketplace Insurance Plans (Affordable Care Act)
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a law passed to make health insurance more accessible and affordable for individuals. This law ensures coverage for essential health benefits like doctors’ services, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, mental health services, prescription drugs, and more.
The following resource lists what to know when choosing a health insurance plan by explaining costs, coverage, and provider networks to select a plan that meets your medical needs.
