ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Health care in the United States

Healthcare in the United States is like going to a really big store to buy things that will help you stay healthy. Just like your parents have to pay for the things you need at the store, grown-ups in America have to pay for healthcare.

Some people get their healthcare from their job, meaning their employer pays a certain amount of money to a health insurance company, and that company helps cover the cost of their medical bills. Other people have to get insurance on their own called individual insurance.

Sometimes, when you get sick or hurt, you need to go see a doctor or go to the hospital. The doctor or hospital will give you what you need to make you feel better, but they will also send a bill to the insurance company so they can pay for some of the cost.

But sometimes, if you don't have insurance or your insurance doesn't cover everything, you have to pay for those medical bills yourself, and it can be really expensive.

The government also helps some people who can't afford healthcare through programs like Medicaid and Medicare. Medicaid helps people with low incomes, and Medicare helps people over 65 and people with disabilities.

Overall, healthcare in the United States can be complicated and expensive, but it's important to stay healthy and get the care you need.