Final answer:
The US health care system is primarily private due to a free-market approach, providing high-quality care but with high costs and unequal access, while the UK's government-run system offers more equal access and lower costs but may lack immediate cutting-edge treatment availability.
Step-by-step explanation:
The US health care system is predominantly run by the private sector due to a free-market approach to healthcare delivery. In contrast, the UK health care system, known as the National Health Service (NHS), is predominantly run by the government, providing universal health coverage to all UK residents. In the US, many receive insurance through their employers, while the government provides programs like Medicare for the elderly and Medicaid for low-income individuals. The private sector in the US is responsible for a high standard of care and medical innovation but struggles with high costs and unequal access to care. The UK's government-run system has lower costs and more equal access but may not always offer immediate access to cutting-edge treatments.
Each system has its unique challenges in balancing quality, access, and cost. The US aims to control expenses and extend care to everyone, while the UK focuses on maintaining its universal coverage and staying current with medical advancements.