Health insurance for individuals was first developed in the early part of the 20th Century. Hospitals began offering patients a pre-paid service in the 1920's and it meant patients could pay upfront for any future medical costs or hospital stays. By the 1930's the Blue Cross organization was formed. The Blue Cross is now made up of 39 authorities who are thought to provide insurance plans to over 100 million American citizens.
During its initial stages health providers involved with the Blue Cross were only able to offer a service by which a small premium was paid yearly for hospital care or a fixed amount for specific diseases. Now it has evolved into a major service provider and most companies can offer individual insurance plans which cover emergency procedures, preventative medicines and also the routine cost of the majority of prescription drugs. Although not all companies will cover all services, comprehensive coverage should cover the majority of all costs associated with medical care.
Individual insurance is the primary source of coverage for most American citizens and nearly 60 percent of the population have it in some form or another. Public programs make up the remaining, which is primarily for low-income families and senior citizens who meet the criteria.
During its initial stages health providers involved with the Blue Cross were only able to offer a service by which a small premium was paid yearly for hospital care or a fixed amount for specific diseases. Now it has evolved into a major service provider and most companies can offer individual insurance plans which cover emergency procedures, preventative medicines and also the routine cost of the majority of prescription drugs. Although not all companies will cover all services, comprehensive coverage should cover the majority of all costs associated with medical care.
Individual insurance is the primary source of coverage for most American citizens and nearly 60 percent of the population have it in some form or another. Public programs make up the remaining, which is primarily for low-income families and senior citizens who meet the criteria.