单项选择题
| People from many countries find it
difficult to understand how the majority of Americans live comfortable lives
without the support of a public welfare system. Medical care in the United
States is expensive; university education can cost ＄20,000 per year; living well
after a worker retires requires more money than will be paid through the Social
Security System. Most Americans prepare for those needs by saving a part of
their salaries in saving banks; others invest in industries or service
corporations in hopes of receiving greater profits. Most Americans also buy
insurance of many kinds. In buying insurance, a working person agrees to pay a
set sum of money every month or at other regular intervals. In exchange, he or
she receives money when needed. Life insurance guarantees a sum of money to
survivors of the person in case of death. Medical and hospital insurance
guarantees payment of large medical and hospital bills. There is also dental
insurance and insurance that pays money when a home burns down. An American can
also insure a car, furniture or other personal belongings. Other benefits for working Americans are provided by the companies they work for or the labor unions to which they belong. All large businesses and many smaller ones offer their workers benefits. These benefits can include free or low-cost medical insurance and life insurance. Many companies also have retirement plans. The companies put money aside to pay their workers when they retire. There are also profit-sharing plans through which extra money is put aside for workers when the company makes a great deal of money in any one year. Many labor unions also have special funds from which workers can receive monthly checks when they retire or if they become disabled and cannot work. Some unions also pay for medicine that the workers need but which may not be purchased by medical insurance. Some pay workers a small amount of money if they lose their jobs. The cost of higher education is usually paid by a combination of private savings, income from a part-time job held by the student, and low interest loans or grants of money given to needy students by the federal government but administered by the university. |