- BIST10011,572-1.28%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,182.70+0.04%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,421+0.50%
- October 19, 20269°
- BIST10011,572-1.28%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,182.70+0.04%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,421+0.50%
- October 19, 20269°
09
Healthcare and Insurance
How the U.S. healthcare system works: insurance options, enrollment periods, emergency services and primary care physicians, disputing bills, bringing medication from Turkey, and mental health resources.
Topics in this section
- 9.1 How the U.S. health system worksThere is no single government health insurance in the U.S. that automatically covers everyone; insurance options vary according to your job, age, income, and immigration status. Understanding premiums, deductibles, copayments, and network rules helps you see the total cost.
- 9.2 Health insurance optionsIn the U.S., health insurance can be obtained through an employer, the Marketplace, Medicaid/CHIP, Medicare, or school plans. Eligibility depends on status, age, income, and the 2027 change to premium assistance.
- 9.3 Open enrollment periods and situations that qualify for a Special Enrollment PeriodMarketplace and employer plans are generally available during open enrollment; events such as marriage, birth, moving, or loss of insurance may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period. 2027 Marketplace open enrollment runs from November 1, 2026, through January 15, 2027.
- 9.4 Emergency room, urgent care, primary care providerIn a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room; for non-emergency conditions that cannot wait, use urgent care, and for regular care, use a primary care provider. In the emergency room, you may have the right to an examination regardless of ability to pay and to a free interpreter.
- 9.5 Bill dispute, payment planBefore paying a medical bill, check it item by item, appeal an insurance denial on time, and request a payment plan or financial assistance. You can also use your No Surprises Act and Good Faith Estimate rights.
- 9.6 Bringing medicine from Türkiye (FDA / CBP rules)The rules for bringing medicine from Türkiye vary depending on your status in the United States, whether the medicine is a controlled substance, and the method of transport. Carry medicines in their original containers, with the necessary documents and in quantities permitted by the rules.
- 9.7 Mental health and resources offering Turkish-language servicesCall 911 for a life-threatening emergency and 988 for mental health or substance use crises. For Turkish-language service, use the language filter on FindTreatment.gov and request a free interpreter.
Last reviewed October 16, 2026. This content is general information, not legal advice.