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We presented a group of eight short FAQs about Universal Health Care throughout the world. Check them out. Please. I'm begging you.
Showing posts with label Universal Health Care Systems. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Universal Health Care Systems. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Other Questions
8 Universal Health Care System FAQs #8
Of the wealthy, industrialized countries, which provide universal health care and which do not?
Every major, wealthy, industrialized nation provides universal health care for their populace. Oops, I forgot the one and only exception, the United States of America. (Source)
Isn't universal health care more expensive that the current system in the US?
It is not. In fact, the United States spends 40% more per-capita than any of the other major industrialized nations with universal health care. Studies have shown that is we were to move to a single-payer system that we would realize savings of anywhere from 100 to 200 billion dollars a year. (Source)
Aren't all universal health care systems socialist?
No. Some are (such as the UK and Sweden), some aren't (such as France and Germany). It is hard to imagine a system put into use in the US that wouldn't keep doctors and hospitals as private entities. (See previous entries.)
Do the American people really want universal health care?
Not only do they want it, they are willing to have their taxes raised to pay for it. A recent poll by CBS news showed that 57% of Americans want health care for all Americans and are willing to pay more taxes to make it happen. (Source)
Previous Entries in This Series (Canada, France, Germany, England, Elsewhere in Europe, China, Israel)
Of the wealthy, industrialized countries, which provide universal health care and which do not?
Every major, wealthy, industrialized nation provides universal health care for their populace. Oops, I forgot the one and only exception, the United States of America. (Source)
Isn't universal health care more expensive that the current system in the US?
It is not. In fact, the United States spends 40% more per-capita than any of the other major industrialized nations with universal health care. Studies have shown that is we were to move to a single-payer system that we would realize savings of anywhere from 100 to 200 billion dollars a year. (Source)
Aren't all universal health care systems socialist?
No. Some are (such as the UK and Sweden), some aren't (such as France and Germany). It is hard to imagine a system put into use in the US that wouldn't keep doctors and hospitals as private entities. (See previous entries.)
Do the American people really want universal health care?
Not only do they want it, they are willing to have their taxes raised to pay for it. A recent poll by CBS news showed that 57% of Americans want health care for all Americans and are willing to pay more taxes to make it happen. (Source)
Previous Entries in This Series (Canada, France, Germany, England, Elsewhere in Europe, China, Israel)
Friday, April 10, 2009
Israel
8 Universal Health Care System FAQs #7
Does Israel have socialized medicine?
No. Health care service providers are both private and public, with some who are semi-private. In 1995, the government passed a law requiring mandatory membership in one of the four Health Maintenance Organizations in the country. Prior to 1995, citizens had paid premiums directly to the HMOs. After the passage of the National Health Insurance Law, they began paying for their health insurance through taxes, with funding guaranteed for those who cannot pay.
What types of restrictions have been placed on the HMOs?
The HMOs are required to accept any citizen who wished to sign up with them regardless of any circumstance including age and pre-existing conditions. All Israeli citizens receive the same Uniform Benefits Package from their HMO.
Is the quality of health care in Israel high?
Israel is one of the most technologically advanced nations in the world. Their research facilities and hospitals are modern and first-rate. They rate well is most indicators of quality health care such as infant mortality rate (4 deaths per 1,000 live births as compares to 7 in the US) and life expectancy (81).
Sources (Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wikipedia)
Previous Entries in This Series (Canada, France, Germany, England, Elsewhere in Europe, China)
Does Israel have socialized medicine?
No. Health care service providers are both private and public, with some who are semi-private. In 1995, the government passed a law requiring mandatory membership in one of the four Health Maintenance Organizations in the country. Prior to 1995, citizens had paid premiums directly to the HMOs. After the passage of the National Health Insurance Law, they began paying for their health insurance through taxes, with funding guaranteed for those who cannot pay.
What types of restrictions have been placed on the HMOs?
The HMOs are required to accept any citizen who wished to sign up with them regardless of any circumstance including age and pre-existing conditions. All Israeli citizens receive the same Uniform Benefits Package from their HMO.
Is the quality of health care in Israel high?
Israel is one of the most technologically advanced nations in the world. Their research facilities and hospitals are modern and first-rate. They rate well is most indicators of quality health care such as infant mortality rate (4 deaths per 1,000 live births as compares to 7 in the US) and life expectancy (81).
Sources (Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wikipedia)
Previous Entries in This Series (Canada, France, Germany, England, Elsewhere in Europe, China)
China
8 Universal Health Care System FAQs #6
Does China have Universal Health Care?
At the moment, no. Despite being a communist country, and a totalitarian state at that, they have not offered universal care since they abandoned their public system in the 1980s during a wave of Chinese privatization. Since then, the gap between the poor and the rich has widened and many of the poor no longer have access to health care. It is believed that only about 20% of the rural Chinese and 50% of the urban Chinese have access to health care. The situation has gotten worse as China deals with the global economic crisis.
What are China's plans for the future?
The Chinese government has promised to increase funding for the public health care system. By 2011, they believe that they will have basic health care extended to at least 90% of their population. Reforms will continue until 2020. China hope to have every citizen covered at the end of this decade of reform.
Why is China reforming their health care system?
The majority of the citizens in China have to pay their health care expenses out of pocket. Many families have seen their savings wiped out due to sudden, unexpected health care expenses. The Chinese government believes it is their responsibility to provide such social security programs to their citizenry. The Chinese believe that this will help their citizens feel more economically secure and might get them to spend more money and help with the economic situation.
What are some of the problems with health care in China?
Salaries for doctors and nurses are low compared to most of the world. There is no national body to set standards for competency, so the level of training for physicians can vary widely. Doctors often give up the work for higher paying jobs. Clinics and hospitals tend to stay crowded due to the near absence of primary care.
Sources (VOA News, MedHunters)
Previous Entries in This Series (Canada, France, Germany, England, Elsewhere in Europe)
Does China have Universal Health Care?
At the moment, no. Despite being a communist country, and a totalitarian state at that, they have not offered universal care since they abandoned their public system in the 1980s during a wave of Chinese privatization. Since then, the gap between the poor and the rich has widened and many of the poor no longer have access to health care. It is believed that only about 20% of the rural Chinese and 50% of the urban Chinese have access to health care. The situation has gotten worse as China deals with the global economic crisis.
What are China's plans for the future?
The Chinese government has promised to increase funding for the public health care system. By 2011, they believe that they will have basic health care extended to at least 90% of their population. Reforms will continue until 2020. China hope to have every citizen covered at the end of this decade of reform.
Why is China reforming their health care system?
The majority of the citizens in China have to pay their health care expenses out of pocket. Many families have seen their savings wiped out due to sudden, unexpected health care expenses. The Chinese government believes it is their responsibility to provide such social security programs to their citizenry. The Chinese believe that this will help their citizens feel more economically secure and might get them to spend more money and help with the economic situation.
What are some of the problems with health care in China?
Salaries for doctors and nurses are low compared to most of the world. There is no national body to set standards for competency, so the level of training for physicians can vary widely. Doctors often give up the work for higher paying jobs. Clinics and hospitals tend to stay crowded due to the near absence of primary care.
Sources (VOA News, MedHunters)
Previous Entries in This Series (Canada, France, Germany, England, Elsewhere in Europe)
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Elsewhere In Europe
8 Universal Health Care System FAQs #5
How happy are the Finnish with their health care system?
According to a report commissioned by the European Union, 88% of the Finnish are happy with their health care system. Most clinics and hospitals in Finland are run by local governments. Health care is available to all and is financed primarily through tax revenues. (Source, Source)
How does the public/private system of the Netherlands work?
The Netherlands requires that every citizen purchase health care from a privately run insurance company for regular health care services such as care by the family doctor and hospital visits. The government mandates the universal coverage that must be provided by every insurance plan, including paying for all prescription drug costs. Insurance companies are not allowed to deny insurance coverage to anyone and must charge all customers the same rate. There is public social insurance to cover the long-term mentally ill, the elderly and other high risk groups. All children under the age of 18 receive free medical care. They accomplish all of this by spending only 9.8% of GDP on health care (as opposed to 15% by the United States) while still maintaining quality. (Source, Source)
How well does the Swedish health care system perform?
Sweden's socialized health care system performs very well against most Western countries in measurements such as life expectancy and infant mortality. Compared to the population at large, Sweden has a large number of doctors and nurses. (More than the United States.) Sweden accomplishes this despite spending only 9.4% of GDP on health care. There are reports of long waits for health care delivery. (Source, Source)
Previous Entries in This Series (Canada, France, Germany, England)
How happy are the Finnish with their health care system?
According to a report commissioned by the European Union, 88% of the Finnish are happy with their health care system. Most clinics and hospitals in Finland are run by local governments. Health care is available to all and is financed primarily through tax revenues. (Source, Source)
How does the public/private system of the Netherlands work?
The Netherlands requires that every citizen purchase health care from a privately run insurance company for regular health care services such as care by the family doctor and hospital visits. The government mandates the universal coverage that must be provided by every insurance plan, including paying for all prescription drug costs. Insurance companies are not allowed to deny insurance coverage to anyone and must charge all customers the same rate. There is public social insurance to cover the long-term mentally ill, the elderly and other high risk groups. All children under the age of 18 receive free medical care. They accomplish all of this by spending only 9.8% of GDP on health care (as opposed to 15% by the United States) while still maintaining quality. (Source, Source)
How well does the Swedish health care system perform?
Sweden's socialized health care system performs very well against most Western countries in measurements such as life expectancy and infant mortality. Compared to the population at large, Sweden has a large number of doctors and nurses. (More than the United States.) Sweden accomplishes this despite spending only 9.4% of GDP on health care. There are reports of long waits for health care delivery. (Source, Source)
Previous Entries in This Series (Canada, France, Germany, England)
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
England
8 Universal Health Care System FAQs #4
Does England have socialized medicine?
Yes. The National Health Service (NHS) directly provides the majority of the health care delivered in England, with most services free. Ultimately, the system is paid for by taxation. There is a parallel private health care system, but it is mostly used supplementary, and even then, only rarely.
Why is England able to deliver health care so cheaply?
While the American system encourages almost unlimited health care use, the English system discourages use of the system. Since the majority of the doctors are employed directly by the NHS, the NHS can dictate the payment scheme used and they have decided upon capitation. Capitation means that the doctors are paid a fixed rate based on the number of patients under there care. This differs greatly from the fee-for-service model. The physician makes the most money by performing fewer services, such as tests.
With the emphasis on less care, how is the quality of health care service in England?
Although the system doesn't appear to be nearly as bad as its reputation suggests, the perception is that the quality of health care service is poor in England. There are long, often substantially, waits for care. Still, the UK as a whole ranked 24th in level of health, compared to 72nd for the United States. This suggests that their health care system performs better than ours in quality of care. In 2007, the NHS announced a major initiative to improve the quality of care.
Is the English system feasible in the United States?
I would not be so arrogant as to suggest that there is nothing we can learn from the English system. Quiet frankly, they insure their entire populace, their citizens are healthier, and they accomplish this while spending much less than we do on health care. I would say that their system is already better than ours. Still, it will never happen here. Our doctors will not go to work for the state. As our survey of universal health care systems shows, there are many systems that make better models for a new US system than the UK model.
Sources (Ezra Klein, Wikipedia, Reuters, World Health Organization)
Previous Entries in This Series (Canada, France, Germany)
Does England have socialized medicine?
Yes. The National Health Service (NHS) directly provides the majority of the health care delivered in England, with most services free. Ultimately, the system is paid for by taxation. There is a parallel private health care system, but it is mostly used supplementary, and even then, only rarely.
Why is England able to deliver health care so cheaply?
While the American system encourages almost unlimited health care use, the English system discourages use of the system. Since the majority of the doctors are employed directly by the NHS, the NHS can dictate the payment scheme used and they have decided upon capitation. Capitation means that the doctors are paid a fixed rate based on the number of patients under there care. This differs greatly from the fee-for-service model. The physician makes the most money by performing fewer services, such as tests.
With the emphasis on less care, how is the quality of health care service in England?
Although the system doesn't appear to be nearly as bad as its reputation suggests, the perception is that the quality of health care service is poor in England. There are long, often substantially, waits for care. Still, the UK as a whole ranked 24th in level of health, compared to 72nd for the United States. This suggests that their health care system performs better than ours in quality of care. In 2007, the NHS announced a major initiative to improve the quality of care.
Is the English system feasible in the United States?
I would not be so arrogant as to suggest that there is nothing we can learn from the English system. Quiet frankly, they insure their entire populace, their citizens are healthier, and they accomplish this while spending much less than we do on health care. I would say that their system is already better than ours. Still, it will never happen here. Our doctors will not go to work for the state. As our survey of universal health care systems shows, there are many systems that make better models for a new US system than the UK model.
Sources (Ezra Klein, Wikipedia, Reuters, World Health Organization)
Previous Entries in This Series (Canada, France, Germany)
Monday, April 6, 2009
Germany
8 Universal Health Care System FAQs #3
Does Germany have socialized medicine?
No. Germany provides a mix of public and private insurance. Every individual below a specific income level (48,150 Euro in 2008) must join the government health system, which consists of around 250 non-profit "sickness funds" that compete on efficiency rather than price. Others may choose a private insurer, but most (85+% in 2006) stay with the government system.
How expensive is health care in Germany?
Health care costs in Germany have been rising, but they still compare favorably with costs here. In 2005, Germany spent 10.7% of GDP on health care compared to 16% for the United States. For their money, the Germans seem to get better value for their health care. Germany tends to rank better at such indicators of health as child mortality rates and life expectancy than the US does.
How good is the insurance?
Germans are, on whole, very happy with their health insurance. Benefits are generous. There's almost never a wait for diagnostic tests or elective surgeries. The health care delivered is among the world's best. There are never any deductibles. Germans are also proud of their system which provides the same benefits to one and all. They see it as "solidarity".
Is the German system feasible here?
Most people think so. There seems to be very little political will to lay waste to the insurance companies here, so the combination of a public option along with a private option is the most likely solution to become law. If we were to implement the German system, we would provide health care for all, but allow those who wanted to opt-out for a private option do so.
Sources (How To Germany, Ezra Klein, NPR)
Does Germany have socialized medicine?
No. Germany provides a mix of public and private insurance. Every individual below a specific income level (48,150 Euro in 2008) must join the government health system, which consists of around 250 non-profit "sickness funds" that compete on efficiency rather than price. Others may choose a private insurer, but most (85+% in 2006) stay with the government system.
How expensive is health care in Germany?
Health care costs in Germany have been rising, but they still compare favorably with costs here. In 2005, Germany spent 10.7% of GDP on health care compared to 16% for the United States. For their money, the Germans seem to get better value for their health care. Germany tends to rank better at such indicators of health as child mortality rates and life expectancy than the US does.
How good is the insurance?
Germans are, on whole, very happy with their health insurance. Benefits are generous. There's almost never a wait for diagnostic tests or elective surgeries. The health care delivered is among the world's best. There are never any deductibles. Germans are also proud of their system which provides the same benefits to one and all. They see it as "solidarity".
Is the German system feasible here?
Most people think so. There seems to be very little political will to lay waste to the insurance companies here, so the combination of a public option along with a private option is the most likely solution to become law. If we were to implement the German system, we would provide health care for all, but allow those who wanted to opt-out for a private option do so.
Sources (How To Germany, Ezra Klein, NPR)
Friday, April 3, 2009
France
8 Universal Health Care System FAQs #2
Does France have socialized medicine?
No. Like Canada, they have a national health insurance plan. Most physicians in France are in business for themselves. The government is heavily involved in the administration of the national insurance plans, including the setting of price controls on medical goods and services.
How does the French health care system compare to ours?
There's no contest here. The World Health Organization determined that France has the best overall health care system in the world while we, the United States, ranked a distant 37th. The French can seek care with any physician or at any hospital and unlike the managed care here in the US, there are no networks to worry about. Also, despite the fact that the French make more than twice as many doctor visits per year, and spend more time hospitalized, they spend about half as much as we do, per-capita.
How do the French hold costs down?
They do this through lower prices and by a laser focus on preventive care, especially for those chronic conditions that have been shown to lead to much more severe, and more costly conditions. The lower prices are accomplished through government price controls. They work and the French prove it. (As does Medicare, but that's another story.) As for preventive care, the French have identified 30 health conditions for which all citizens will received full reimbursement. These include both high blood pressure and diabetes. They also reimburse drugs on a tiered system based on the ranked cost effectiveness of the treatments.
Are there long waits for medical care in the French system?
No. According to Ezra Klein, "waiting lines are nearly unknown in France." He attributes this to the national insurance provided to every citizen and the prevalence of supplementary insurance to cover co-payments.
Sources (Ezra Klein, Sick)
Does France have socialized medicine?
No. Like Canada, they have a national health insurance plan. Most physicians in France are in business for themselves. The government is heavily involved in the administration of the national insurance plans, including the setting of price controls on medical goods and services.
How does the French health care system compare to ours?
There's no contest here. The World Health Organization determined that France has the best overall health care system in the world while we, the United States, ranked a distant 37th. The French can seek care with any physician or at any hospital and unlike the managed care here in the US, there are no networks to worry about. Also, despite the fact that the French make more than twice as many doctor visits per year, and spend more time hospitalized, they spend about half as much as we do, per-capita.
How do the French hold costs down?
They do this through lower prices and by a laser focus on preventive care, especially for those chronic conditions that have been shown to lead to much more severe, and more costly conditions. The lower prices are accomplished through government price controls. They work and the French prove it. (As does Medicare, but that's another story.) As for preventive care, the French have identified 30 health conditions for which all citizens will received full reimbursement. These include both high blood pressure and diabetes. They also reimburse drugs on a tiered system based on the ranked cost effectiveness of the treatments.
Are there long waits for medical care in the French system?
No. According to Ezra Klein, "waiting lines are nearly unknown in France." He attributes this to the national insurance provided to every citizen and the prevalence of supplementary insurance to cover co-payments.
Sources (Ezra Klein, Sick)
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Canada
8 Universal Health Care System FAQs #1
Does Canada have socialized medicine?
No. The Canadian system is a "single payer" system. Services are mostly provided by private entities. (There are many public hospitals.) The government is simply the primary purchaser of medical services in Canada. (Specifically, the government provides universal health care insurance to all Canadians.)
Are wait times in Canada as bad as we have heard?
Claims of horrendous wait times has been exaggerated by those opposed to Universal Health Care. While there are longer waits for elective surgeries (such as a hip replacement) than in the US, studies show that waits in the US are not significantly better. Additionally, there is less competition for these types of services in the US since there are many people without health insurance. (There are, of course, no wait times for emergency surgeries.)
Considering the large role played by the government in the Canadian system, does it cost more than the US health care system?
Actually, Canada's single payer system has worked very well at holding down prices thanks to the governments ability to bargain for good prices. (One example of this is that prescription prices are around 60% lower than in the US, which explains the billion dollar plus industry of Americans importing drugs from Canada.) The single payer system also spends less on administrative costs. In 2006, Canada spent around 10% of GDP on health care while the US spent 15.3% of GDP.
Are all health care costs covered by the government in Canada?
No. The government does not cover optometry, dentistry or prescription drugs. Most Canadians have supplemental insurance, usually provided by their employers, to cover these expenses. Additionally, the Canadian government uses price controls to keep down the costs of prescription drugs.
Are drugs from Canada any less safe than those for sale in the US?
No. Most pharmaceuticals sold in Canada were manufactured in the same factories as those sold in the US. This is little more than an attempt by drug companies and their conservative supporters to scare Americans into paying the full US price for their drugs.
Sources (Ezra Klein, MedHunters, Wikipedia)
Does Canada have socialized medicine?
No. The Canadian system is a "single payer" system. Services are mostly provided by private entities. (There are many public hospitals.) The government is simply the primary purchaser of medical services in Canada. (Specifically, the government provides universal health care insurance to all Canadians.)
Are wait times in Canada as bad as we have heard?
Claims of horrendous wait times has been exaggerated by those opposed to Universal Health Care. While there are longer waits for elective surgeries (such as a hip replacement) than in the US, studies show that waits in the US are not significantly better. Additionally, there is less competition for these types of services in the US since there are many people without health insurance. (There are, of course, no wait times for emergency surgeries.)
Considering the large role played by the government in the Canadian system, does it cost more than the US health care system?
Actually, Canada's single payer system has worked very well at holding down prices thanks to the governments ability to bargain for good prices. (One example of this is that prescription prices are around 60% lower than in the US, which explains the billion dollar plus industry of Americans importing drugs from Canada.) The single payer system also spends less on administrative costs. In 2006, Canada spent around 10% of GDP on health care while the US spent 15.3% of GDP.
Are all health care costs covered by the government in Canada?
No. The government does not cover optometry, dentistry or prescription drugs. Most Canadians have supplemental insurance, usually provided by their employers, to cover these expenses. Additionally, the Canadian government uses price controls to keep down the costs of prescription drugs.
Are drugs from Canada any less safe than those for sale in the US?
No. Most pharmaceuticals sold in Canada were manufactured in the same factories as those sold in the US. This is little more than an attempt by drug companies and their conservative supporters to scare Americans into paying the full US price for their drugs.
Sources (Ezra Klein, MedHunters, Wikipedia)
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