United States — Healthcare: Public Healthcare

Why this matters

Relocating to the US may require significant research on healthcare options and costs to ensure access to necessary medical care.

Key facts

• Current health expenditure: 16.7 % of GDP (2023)
• Government share of current health expenditure: 54 % (2023)
• Out-of-pocket share of current health expenditure: 11 % (2023)
• Physicians: 3.7 per 1,000 people (2022)
• Hospital beds: 2.7 per 1,000 people (2022)
• Life expectancy at birth: 78.9 years (2024)

Steps

1. Step 1: Determine Eligibility for Public Healthcare Programs — Check if you qualify for Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or other government-funded programs based on your income, family size, and residency status.
2. Step 2: Explore Private Insurance Options — Research and compare private health insurance plans available through the health insurance marketplace or directly from insurance companies.
3. Step 3: Apply for Public Healthcare Programs or Private Insurance — Submit an application for Medicaid, CHIP, or private insurance plans, providing required documents and information.

Costs

• Medicaid Application Fee: varies by state

Timelines

• Medicaid Application Processing Time: 2-6 weeks

Required documents

• Proof of income
• Proof of residency
• Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
• Birth certificates and identification for dependents

Common mistakes

• Assuming you are eligible for Medicaid or other public healthcare programs without checking the specific requirements for your state and circumstances.
• Not exploring private insurance options, which may be more suitable for your needs and budget.

What these figures do not cover

These are national statistics. Who is eligible for the public system, how a foreign resident enrols, what it costs and waiting times are not covered here.