There is great variation between health systems around the world.  In the U.S., health care providers, insurers, employers, and the government are all unofficial partners in a complicated and loosely defined health care "system."  In contrast to most other nations where the government finances health care for the majority of its residents, most Americans have some form of private health insurance sponsored by employers.  A sizable share have government-sponsored insurance, with those over 65 years of age covered by a federal program (Medicare) and some poor children and their families eligible for a state-federal program (Medicaid).  This public-private model is unique among nations and affords those who are most affluent and who have insurance with access to among the best quality of care in the world.  At the same time, 45 million individuals in the U.S. have no insurance and experience considerable barriers to care and in many instances poorer health outcomes than their insured counterparts.   

The multiple players in the health care system all maintain key roles and face distinct challenges.  These range from the financing and technological issues facing facilities like hospitals and clinics; supply and educational challenges  facing providers like doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals; the shifting role of government in financing and regulating the delivery system.  The two overarching challenges before all segments of the health care system in the U.S. are improving the quality of health care and getting a handle on the rapid rate of growth in health care costs.   

This page contains links to key research, policy analysis, and the latest data and statistics on the U.S. health care system.