The 
organization of the American hospital sector is, however, one of the most complex in the world with a heterogeneous collection of 
hospitals, payers and funding methods.[15] In 1998, 28% of 
hospitals were classified as public (state or local government) 
hospitals, 58% as private, not-for-profit 
hospitals and 14% as private for-profit 
hospitals.[16] Financing for 
hospital services comes from a number of private insurers, out-of-p
  ...[+++]ocket costs and from the Medicaid and Medicare programs.[17]