Kids and Health Care: The Mechanics of the Medical Industry - Introduction

You're reading this book because you have a child or children and you want to make sure they get good medical care.

If you're concerned - a little worried - you're right to be. The United States has one of the most complex medical services systems in the world. This complexity results in the world's highest quality health care. But it doesn't always distribute that care evenly. People who either have lots of money or know how to work the system get good care; others lose their way.

Don't get discouraged. Once you get a basic understanding of how the U.S. medical industry works (and how health insurance works), you'll be able to get the best coverage for your kids.

Even if the best health insurance is too expensive for your family, there are inexpensive plans that work well. Also, there are government programs run at the state and federal levels that make high-quality health care available to people under 18.

We'll consider all of these options in the course of this book.

But the best place to start is with a quick survey of how the U.S. medical industry -- doctors, medical groups, hospitals and drug companies -- works.