People can obtain private health insurance coverage as a member of a group or as an individual. Both group plans and individual plans may offer coverage in either a managed care program or in a fee-for-service program. Most Americans receive group coverage through their employers, although some Americans join group plans through unions, professional associations, and other organizations that offer group insurance policies. People who obtain health insurance as individuals are typically self-employed, or they work for small companies that do not provide insurance. Elderly and some low-income Americans may qualify for the government-funded health insurance programs Medicare and Medicaid.
OBTAINING COVERAGE
People can obtain private health insurance coverage as a member of a group or as an individual. Both group plans and individual plans may offer coverage in either a managed care program or in a fee-for-service program. Most Americans receive group coverage through their employers, although some Americans join group plans through unions, professional associations, and other organizations that offer group insurance policies. People who obtain health insurance as individuals are typically self-employed, or they work for small companies that do not provide insurance. Elderly and some low-income Americans may qualify for the government-funded health insurance programs Medicare and Medicaid.
