The American health care system has been called one of the best - and worst - in the world. Many experts say it is certainly the most expensive, costing $2.5 trillion a year, or about $7,000-$8,000 per person. Most Americans pay for their medical care through private insurance, which is partially subsidized by their employers. Elderly Americans receive health care largely paid for by a government trust fund that may eventually run out of money. An estimated 30 million others - a majority of them considered the working poor - have no health insurance at all.
In this series of reports, VOA reporters examine a health care system in crisis.
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Many experts say US system is most expensive, costing $2.5 trillion a year or about $7,000 - $8,000 per person
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Recent polls indicate public support for reform effort has slipped
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Even Americans with some of the best policies find out too late that insurers may refuse to pay for needed medical procedures
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Experts say shortage will worsen in coming years, with medical school graduates continuing to shun family medicine in favor of more-luc
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Many small business owners are facing difficult choice between maintaining insurance programs for employees or dropping them in respons
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US president campaigned for health care reform legislation, a day after top Senate Democrat unveiled reform bill that has virtually no
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Reform legislation would require all individuals to purchase health insurance or pay fine; companies would be prohibited from denying c
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Members of Senate Finance Committee have been negotiating a new version of bill, but opposition Republican lawmakers have complained th
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The president will attempt to regain initiative in battle for health care reform after losing ground in opinion polls
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President spoke directly with listeners of a nationally-syndicated radio program hosted by Michael Smerconish
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Energy and Commerce committee backs measure to extend health insurance to Americans not covered, paving way for full House to move on i
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US president calls for rational debate, says health care issue steeped in rumors, misinformation spread by critics
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Despite Mr. Obama's almost daily efforts to build support for his proposed health care overhaul, resistance seems to be building
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Former US Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle says if confirmed he will tackle soaring health care costs, restore confidence in federal
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