The idea that the federal government should take control of health care for its citizens has caught on in most countries – except the United States. The United States is different. We are one of the few industrialized countries not to have a huge public healthcare system.

The reason? That old demon, taxes. People freak out when you tell them you are taking more of their money to pay for other people’s health. But what most people forget is that they are already helping to pay for some public health programs through federal and state taxes.

I hate to burst your bubble, but you and other young adults are probably not going to be able to get public health insurance. It’s a VERY exclusive club. Most people who qualify for them are either old, poor, or have bad disabilities. But for the right person, a certain insurance program could be exactly what you need. Let me show you four examples: Medicare, Medicaid, SCHIP, and military health benefits.

Medicare

This public healthcare program helps take care of Nana when she falls and can’t get up. It helps pay the medical bills for:

• People who are 65 years or older and can receive Social Security.
• People under 65 years who are permanently disabled and have been receiving disability benefits for at least 2 years.
• People with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis – otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
• People with End Stage Renal Disease (Kidney failure) and temporary coverage for people donating a kidney.

If you think you are eligible for Medicare, visit Medicare.gov to find out more about the plan.

Medicaid

Not quite a “real” insurance program, it’s a public welfare system that’s funded by the federal and state governments, with each individual state managing Medicaid. Each state has its own standards for letting people under the Medicaid umbrella, but the general qualification is that you or your family don’t have much money and can’t really get any other type of health care.

If you want to see what your state offers in Medicaid, go to www.cms.gov/MedicaidGenInfo.

State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)

SCHIP happens. Also managed by the states, SCHIP is for kids in families that make too much money to qualify for Medicaid but can’t afford private health insurance. Again, you need to know what your own state offers as a SCHIP program.

Military Health Benefits

The military takes care of their own. The Department of Defense Military Health System (MHS) offers health benefits to active duty members, retired service members, and their dependents through a network of military health care providers and a health plan called TRICARE. You can learn more about TRICARE at http://www.tricare.mil/.