Do you want to complain about SUS and move to USA? The biggest cause of bankruptcy is hospital bills; See how much it really costs and how the US healthcare system works

Are you dreaming of living the “American Dream” in America? Attention, what appears to be a paradise of opportunities can hide a financial nightmare!

Medical expenses in the United States are the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the country, and values ​​decrease the jaw. If you thought the Unified Health System (SUS) had problems, get ready to learn about the American healthcare system that could destroy your pocket.

According to journalist Tony Denuzio, from the channel Invest in messages, the US health care system is complex and very expensive. “For anyone thinking about moving to the U.S., it’s important to understand how the healthcare system works,” says Tenuccio.

Unlike Brazil, where SUS provides free care, albeit with limitations, in the United States, healthcare is mainly private.That means there is no equivalent to SUS to serve everyone universally and for free.

Why are the costs so high?

According to Tenuccio, each state in the United States has its own health care laws, but most services are provided by private companies.

This includes everything from urgent care centers to more complex hospitals, known as “urgent cares.”

“In America, if you don’t have a health plan, be prepared to spend a lot on medical expenses,” warns the journalist.

And these expenses can easily lead to bankruptcy. According to a survey conducted by the National Bankruptcy Forum 66.5% of personal bankruptcy cases in the US are related to medical expenses.

The cost of health plans in the United States

The numbers are frightening. The United States spends more on individual health care than any other country in the world.

In 2022, the country allocated approximately 4.5 trillion dollars to health, which exceeded the gross domestic product of all South American countries.

According to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF)., in 2023, the average annual cost of an individual health plan in the United States was $8,435, while a family plan reached nearly $24,000. This is 47% higher than inflation over the past ten years.

How Health Plans Work in America

Those who think the health care system will work like Brazil’s need to understand the peculiarities of the US system.

In the US, health plans are similar to insurance, with partial or total coverage of medical expenses. Plans contain specific terms such as “co-pay,” “deductible,” and “coinsurance,” which can mean significant additional costs to the patient.

“Co-payments are one of the most common costs and can be a fixed amount or a percentage of the cost of medical services,” DeNuccio explains.

In addition, there is a “deductible,” an amount the patient must pay out-of-pocket before the plan begins to cover costs.

In many cases, even after meeting this deductible, the patient is required to pay a percentage of the medical expenses, which is called a “co-insurance”.

“In the most extreme case, if everything goes wrong and you need expensive treatment, you could end up paying a small fortune out of your own pocket,” warns the host..

Examples of medical expenses in the US

Let’s look at a practical example. According to Tenuccio, in a health plan quote, monthly values ​​can vary significantly. For a family of four, a basic plan costs about $740 per month, and a complete plan can cost up to $1,200.

The main difference between these plans is not the treatment coverage, but the additional costs the patient has to bear, such as deductibles and co-participations.

“In the cheapest plan, the deductible can be up to $10,000, while in the most expensive plan, there is no deductible.”Exemplifies Denuccio.

Coverage alternatives: Medicare, Medicaid, and Obamacare

In addition to traditional health plans, Other coverage options are available, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act known as Obamacare. “Medicare is federal health insurance for people age 65 and older and young adults with certain disabilities,” Denuccio explains. Medicaid is for low-income individuals and families and is funded jointly by the federal and state governments. Obamacare, in turn, is a law that expands access to health insurance, especially for those who cannot afford a traditional plan.

Controversies and key concepts

However, Obamacare is a controversial topic. “Many criticisms of the plan have focused on the increase in taxes and the impact on health plan prices,” Denuccio comments.

Critics point out that while Obamacare has expanded access to health care for millions of Americans, it has also increased costs for non-beneficiaries of the program..

With so many options and terms, choosing a health plan in the US can be a daunting task.

“Before choosing a project it is necessary to carefully evaluate your needs and financial capabilities”, advises the journalist.

Denuccio also stresses the importance of taking out travel insurance for anyone planning to visit the US, as a medical emergency can result in an astronomical bill.

Finally, it is important to understand Health costs to us It is a huge challenge for those who want to live in the country. In this sense, Tenuccio concludes: “Health in America is a matter of financial planning. Without a good plan or insurance, you could end up with unpayable debt.