The term health insurance is commonly used in the United States to
describe any program that helps pay for medical expenses, whether
through privately purchased insurance, social insurance or a
non-insurance social welfare program funded by the government. Synonyms
for this usage include "health coverage," "health care coverage" and
"health benefits." In a more technical sense, the term is used to
describe any form of insurance that provides protection against the
costs of medical services. This usage includes private insurance and
social insurance programs such as Medicare, but excludes social welfare
programs such as Medicaid. In addition to medical expense insurance, it
also includes insurance covering disability or long-term nursing or
custodial care needs. The US health care system relies heavily on
private and not-for-profit health insurance, which is the primary source
of coverage for most Americans. uninsured has been generally increasing
since the year 2000. There is considerable debate in the US on the
causes of and possible remedies for this level of uninsurance as well as
the impact it has on the overall US health care system. (see Health
care reform in the United States).