Health care in the USA

Health care system in the United States:

There are two main public health care systems in the United States: Medicaid and Medicare. Medicaid is designed for people on low income, children and disabled persons. It is jointly managed by the states and the federal government. Medicare is designed for seniors over 65 years and is run on a European health care model. In between, most Americans have to take out a private insurance. Sometimes, health insurance packages are provided by employers, but it's not the norm. Given the prohibitive costs of health care in the United States, it is highly recommended to take out a private health insurance adapted to your situation.  If you are moving to the USA and would like to have a free quotation for your health insurance, please fill out our form!

 Emergency numbers: 

911: medical emergency, police, fire brigade 

 Good to know: 

Medical emergencies at the hospital can be expensively charged.  

 IMPORTANT: 

Before starting any administrative procedures in the United States, apply for your Social Security Number (SSN). This SSN will be needed in case you have to open a bank account, rent an accommodation, get a driver's license or take out a loan etc. In order to ask for your SSN, visit the nearest Social Security Administration office (you can locate your nearest Social Security Administration office through this link: https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp) complete form SS-5 available on the website of the Social Security Administration along with the required documentation: passport, visa and any document issued by the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Service (formerly known as INS).

 Remember:

Your SSN is confidential. Never disclose this number to anyone except to the government or to your financial institution. Through your SSN number, anyone can access confidential information about you or check your credit history. Keep it secret!

 Useful links: 

Social Security office locator

https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp 

Social Security Online 

https://secure.ssa.gov/ 

Formalities to obtain your social security number 

http://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/  

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