Compare and contrast the healthcare systems discussed in Frontline's Sick Around the World documentary. Explain which system has done the best job of balancing private interests and public good and why.
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Anonymous
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I personally would prefer any of the healthcare systems to ours. It is funny how the US healthcare system is used as a joke. I believe that the Swiss have made the best efforts to perfect their system. Like they said in the video, no system is perfect but they’ve tried to avoid having the same problems as any of the similar health programs. It is great that they are still trying to make improvements and did not give up watching the other countries’ problems. It is amazing to think that they can say no one has gone bankrupt from healthcare bills without hesitation. Personally I know I owe a few medical bills and wish they could just be wiped out. Maybe there will be a day that our government can learn from the Swiss’ mistakes and perfect a system for us. It would be a better system than the other countries since the Swiss tried avoiding their mistakes and we will try avoiding the Swiss’ mistakes. The US wouldn’t be a joke to other countries when it comes to healthcare; after all we are supposed to be one of the riches countries.
I really enjoyed watching this video because I had little or no knowledge about the way that other countries were providing health care to their citizens. For a rich and developed country that everyone makes us seem like it looks that we are far behind in health care and the main reason for this is because our government just doesn’t care to put their effort in to help us get a better health care system. It’s very sad that so many are in debt and have gone bankrupt because of health care bills. Most people rack up in bills for something that most of the time did not have any control over. If they knew they were going to get sick they would had obviously tried to get health insurance but everything comes so unexpectedly. Now they have to stress over countless bills that have to be paid and are ruining their life. The sad part is that the government does not care! The system that has done the best job in my opinion is the Swiss. They have taken the good out of every country and put it into their own Swiss health care system. I understand no system is going to be perfect but they are sure doing a better job than we are. Some of the countries are being too giving and its hurting their economy to the point were they have to borrow money from banks, that too should not happen. The US definitely has to find the middle ground. It is really scary to see what it is going to happen to the people that have lost their jobs and have no money or insurance to go to the doctor. Will they wait to long to get preventative or early stage treatment? Hopefully there is some chances soon. I guess we will just have to wait and see how laws change now that we have a new president.
I was utterly amazed by the major differences and impact of healthcare systems from different countries. One thing that shocked me was how the people of England didn’t have any medical bills to pay! But we have to also know how they did it and why. I was also surprised by Japan’s services and how less expensive it was. The prices in Japan are nearly half of what the United States would pay for. Switzerland made a huge risk by coming up with their own system of health care. I find that the Swiss has the most successful system out of all the countries. They decided to take a risk and it perfectly worked. The country has no medical bills, and no bankruptcy. I believe that the United States can adapt to the system, but people are afraid to change. Another thing to point out was the waiting time. Some countries were faster than others. If the United States is one of the most powerful and richest countries, then why are there so many issues with health care? I really think that people do not take in the consideration of the human being, and that their only interest is making money off of them. I believe that we should take health care in a different direction. If other countries are able to do it, then why not the United States? The reason why United States is having difficulties with health insurance is because of the government. No system is perfect, but I believe that the Swiss are so close to it. No medical bills, no bankruptcy, with just as much as waiting time. If only the United States are willing to make change, we as a nation are going to continue this dilemma if the government won’t be willing to take other considerations.
Based on the front line documentary,those countries with nationalized health care system are far more better of than the private system here in the USA.Even the socialized medicine in England insures that everyone gets covered and anyone that needs a health care assistance gets it.Nobody gets denied due to lack of money.Yes,there are some concerns in regard to gate keepers and long lines as well as freedom of choice when to see a specialist.These concerns are being addressed and the health care cost is much lower than the USA privately run system.The second best from the British socialized medicine is the one that has the mixture of both like the Germany and Japanese sysytem.Those countries insure everyones'coverage at the same time gives others the freedom to buy their own coverage as they please.This kind of system doesnot infringe up on people what to do, when to go see a doctoror or a specialist as same time makes sure all the citizens are covered and the health care system is healthy and smooth.The myth that due to privatization that the USA health care system is the best is not true.In the contrary the USA is lagging behind in so many measures that makes ones' health care system is the best.Forexample, the USA is behind when it compares to so many industrialized countriesin infant mortality rate.Also behind in some research break through like stem cell research.Spending too much money and yet leaving 40% of the general population uncovered doesnot guarantee quality care.A lot of other industrialized countries have a much better system that covers every one and less spending.When no one system is perfect, I think the USA needs to adapt some of the countries who showed the best system so far.
I feel that any health care system is better than ours. Great Britain has a government run National Health Service that covers everyone for less than the United States. There is no co-pay, no premium, and the people pay nothing, though they pay higher taxes to cover it. The government owns the hospitals and the patients can choose which hospital to go to. There is a negative on elective care such as hip replacements and heart operations. Some private hospitals could close and Great Britain is good in preventative medicine but does have its share of mistakes as well as waiting lists. Also, patients have to go to a General Practitioner first before they can go to a specialist. The GP’s are paid a fixed amount depending upon the number of patients they have. Finally, no one is going bankrupt because of medical bills. Japan, however, has social insurance with no waiting lists. They can cover everyone for the half the amount of the U.S. The people don’t pay through taxes, they have to buy health coverage and the insurance policies pay for the poor. They have private hospitals and doctor’s offices but 50% of the hospitals are in jeopardy of financial deficit. The doctors do make house calls and patients can go to specialists without getting a referral from a General Practitioner and they don’t need appointments. There are short visits to the doctor and they doctors negotiate fixed prices for procedures. Inexpensive machines are sold to doctors and can perform them right in the doctors office, and the doctor’s are forced to used the fixed price list or else they go out of business. This is better for patients then for doctors. The doctors have to pay into a social insurance fund and they don’t lose their insurance if they lose their job. Healthcare covers all existing conditions but the prices aren’t enough to balance the books. Germany has coverage for medical, surgical and dental procedures. The rich can pay privately if they want and the government covers everything including spa treatments and belly dancing lessons. They have to wait to see a doctor as long as the U.S. does, which isn’t that long anyway. The cost is more expensive than Japan and Britain. They have a co-pay of 15 dollars every 3 months and pregnant women pay nothing. They have many choices and have low costs, even with prescriptions and have the same quality care as in the U.S. Germany negotiates standard prices, drugs are a bargain. However, doctors and hospitals feel underpaid but they can’t raise the prices and work more hours. Although, they have less malpractice premiums and medical school was free. Taiwan took the best ideas from each country and put them all together. Everyone has equal access, they pay nothing, have no waiting lists, no bankruptcy because of medical bills. They don’t let the rich people pay privately. There is no gatekeeper, no waiting time. They have to use a “smart card” that shows their medical history. However the doctors feel underpaid and like the other countries the government doesn’t make enough money so they have to borrow from the banks to cover everyone. Switzerland had a health care reform, and now they have universal healthcare for everyone. They have the sickness law where everyone buys insurance, there have been no bankruptcy because of medical bills and the poor get help with payment. They have a fixed benefit package. The doctors don’t make much profit but they can make profit on supplement insurance and they are often competing with eachother. I think all of these countries have done a great job making health care coverage better, especially for the patients. I like how Taiwan took the best ideas from everyone and made it so people pay nothing, there are no waiting lists, no need for appointments and you don’t have to go to a General Practitioner before going to a specialist. But the country that did the best job at balancing the wants for the public and the doctors is Switzerland because in all the other countries it was great for the patients but not the doctors. They were suffering and not getting paid enough or not as much as they could in the United States. I believe the United States should try and do what Taiwan did and take the good ideas from each system and make a new better healthcare system they could maybe balance the patients interests and the doctors interests.
Honestly the best system is the japanese system. Their price locking of medical treatments and adjusting each year helps keep the medical field in prespective. It lets the constant change of new medical pratices and techs be applied and shaped into the rest of the medical system. As the video said if a treatment is constantly being used it makes sense to lower its price for the people. That said the problem is the fact the prices are kept too low and is slowly killing doctors. I think the usa could adapt much of the japanese system with only a tweak here or there to fix it. First a gov sponsered medical program where you get a MUCH cheaper medical education but instead you have to serve as a doctor in a town of gov choosing this will help spread out and even out the doctors for better coverage. Next create a price cap range for medical treatments so much that it can go down and so much that it can go up with a clinic being able to control the price inside the range to better keep the clinic going. Finally have all business carry a basic treatment plan for employees at least it can be better and should be encouraged to be so but a lot of companies have no coverage and that causes problems. Our biggest problem is the fact medicine for the people has been forgotten for money and we need to fix that. At least that is what I think.
I would say we should follow the path of Taiwan, they seem to have best model for health care reform. It would have to take large and loud protests from the public for our politicians to even consider it. we still need a for profit system, but we need to open up health care for everyone based on income. A lot would have to change for health care reform to benefit this country, the cost of living has gone up but pay hasn't, something has to either go up or go down. Some states are gonna have consider changing tax codes, there is no Income Tax in NH and the medicare system is always broke, the depend to heavily on federal funding or property taxes that go unpaid. We have to seriously accept real change if we want health care, we have to accept the fact that we may need to pay more in taxes and get less back. I used to cold call for a sub prime lender that has since gone under, one woman mortgaged a paid off house to pay $250,000 in medical bills, that should never have happened. We have to pay nurses more and put a cap on some people's salaries who don't do all that much, and make medical school more affordable and free if you are from a low income home. There is talk now that something on health care reform will be on the table by this July. I will believe when i see it.
One of the things that all of the countries featured in Sick Around the World have in common is that the government and the people of these countries have decided that health care is a right for every man, woman, and child, regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, or condition of health. And since they believe that health care is a right, they make sure that every single person has health insurance. Citizens of these countries do not have to make a choice about either making a mortgage payment or going to the doctor. Great Britain’s system is a government run system that is paid for through taxes. The hospitals are government owned, and the hospital workers are government employees. Each person has a primary care physician that acts as a gatekeeper, which the patient has to go see before being referred to a specialist. Preventative and emergency care are top notch, but what is called elective care is hit or miss. A person can wait anywhere from 2-6 months. Overall the citizens of Britain feel they get excellent care, and the people that they interviewed had never received a hospital or doctor bill. In Japan, everyone is also covered by a health plan, but they do have to sign up for insurance. Eighty percent of the hospitals are private hospitals; and there are no gatekeepers, so patients can go where ever they wish. Not surprisingly, the Japanese have the latest in medical technology. They are also highly satisfied with the medical care they receive. The government and doctors negotiate fees for each procedure, and the doctors can only charge what is on the fee schedule; therefore, many hospitals are struggling because they do not make enough money to keep up with rising costs. Either the prices for services will need to go up, or the people will have to pay more in co-pays, because 50% of the hospitals are in debt. Germany has based their healthcare system on the Bismark model. Everyone is covered; however, the rich can opt out if they choose. This insurance system will even pay for spa services or fitness classes such as belly dancing. The hospitals are private hospitals, as are the doctors. The wait time to see a specialist is 1 week. To see a surgeon is 3 weeks at the most. The Germans have sickness funds that they can pay into, and if you’re pregnant, you do not have to pay for any of your care. Co-pays are $15 for three months. If a person looses their job, they will not loose their insurance. As in other countries mentioned in the video, the prices are standardized. Taiwan looked at many countries and tried to pull the best out of each system and mesh it into the healthcare system they have today. Everyone pays for insurance, and the rich are not allowed to opt out of the national program. Like Japan, there are no gatekeepers. Each person has a smart card with all of their medical information on it, from prescriptions to procedures, and the billing goes directly to the government for payment. There are not many different insurance forms to fill out, like there are in this country. The Swiss changed to universal coverage for their citizens. Each person has to sign up for health insurance, and the rates are community based, so the insurance companies couldn’t cherry pick all the healthy people. The government negotiates the prices of services, which cannot be raised to make money; however, the insurance companies can make more money selling supplemental insurance policies that cover “perks” that are not included in the basic healthcare package, such as having a private room if you have to go into the hospital vs staying in a ward with three other people. The Germans and Swiss seem to have the best balance between private interests and the public health. Each citizen receives excellent medical care, without having long waits for specialists. The hospitals are not going broke, because the fees for service are too little to cover the cost of business. The Swiss pay for “ perks” not in the basic package.
First of all I think all the other countries in the documentary we watched had something that we as Americans do not possess. That is all the other countries look at the preventative measures in medicine as a fundamental criteria in playing the role in there health care systems. I believe the other cultures seem to take great measures in promoting good health and diet as a first step. The Japanese with their low fat diets .The Germans and there well child care and free maternity. The Swiss and exercise and overall health are a practice in everyday wellness. Were as in America, promotion of pharmaceuticals and the need to depend on medical care after it is too late because of lack of education with profit in mind. We all Know it would have to take more than an act of congress to make any kind of substantial change and I don’t think America is willing or capable of this change due to fear. I admired particularly the ideas in Taiwan. The smart card would be only the obvious thing to do as far as reducing the costs of administration, but this change would not enable the corporations to take advantage of the overcharging and would definitely cripple the profit making. The gate keeping I did not think was so good as far as having the opportunity to choose your own doctor. I do believe the setting of standard prices for individual treatments and procedures is an excellent strategy .The physician and private facilities would therefore have no need to competent a monetary level were we as patients are the victims. However I think the Swiss have a good system in that every one pays a co pay by family but is to expensive for this economy. I think the Taiwanese has the best system of all. I think United States should look further into their system and learn how 6to make it work for its people so our children can have some sort of peace of mind in case they get sick.
The U.S. healthcare system relies on the low tax fund (compared to the universal healthcare system), therefore can only serve the public to a limited extent. But it does give the public the good of paying lower tax compared to the countries with universal health care coverage. But when talking about health coverage, the U.S. healthcare system doesn’t respond well to the question, “how about the higher percentage of people who are unable to pay the high medical bill?”. Reducing the medical bill is impossible because this is in turn the money that goes to pay the high wages of the doctors and also because the U.S. hospitals are better in equipment and treatment. The U.S. healthcare system does include the healthcare benefit from the individuals job but many jobs the U.S. citizen work for might not fully cover them. The universal healthcare system is not favorable by those who prioritize private interest. The medical professionals and tax payers money are the great contributors for the medical coverage of the entire public. But, in Sweden and other countries that favor universal healthcare system, the people seem happy to pay high tax or get paid less in medical field for the sake of keeping this system. Private interest seem to be repressed and public good is accepted as the favorable reasoning behind their system. Then, considering both factors, the universal health care system has maintained the balance between the two than the U.S. health care system that still constitutes private disinterest and public medical coverage.
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I personally would prefer any of the healthcare systems to ours. It is funny how the US healthcare system is used as a joke. I believe that the Swiss have made the best efforts to perfect their system. Like they said in the video, no system is perfect but they’ve tried to avoid having the same problems as any of the similar health programs. It is great that they are still trying to make improvements and did not give up watching the other countries’ problems. It is amazing to think that they can say no one has gone bankrupt from healthcare bills without hesitation. Personally I know I owe a few medical bills and wish they could just be wiped out. Maybe there will be a day that our government can learn from the Swiss’ mistakes and perfect a system for us. It would be a better system than the other countries since the Swiss tried avoiding their mistakes and we will try avoiding the Swiss’ mistakes. The US wouldn’t be a joke to other countries when it comes to healthcare; after all we are supposed to be one of the riches countries.
I really enjoyed watching this video because I had little or no knowledge about the way that other countries were providing health care to their citizens. For a rich and developed country that everyone makes us seem like it looks that we are far behind in health care and the main reason for this is because our government just doesn’t care to put their effort in to help us get a better health care system. It’s very sad that so many are in debt and have gone bankrupt because of health care bills. Most people rack up in bills for something that most of the time did not have any control over. If they knew they were going to get sick they would had obviously tried to get health insurance but everything comes so unexpectedly. Now they have to stress over countless bills that have to be paid and are ruining their life. The sad part is that the government does not care! The system that has done the best job in my opinion is the Swiss. They have taken the good out of every country and put it into their own Swiss health care system. I understand no system is going to be perfect but they are sure doing a better job than we are. Some of the countries are being too giving and its hurting their economy to the point were they have to borrow money from banks, that too should not happen. The US definitely has to find the middle ground. It is really scary to see what it is going to happen to the people that have lost their jobs and have no money or insurance to go to the doctor. Will they wait to long to get preventative or early stage treatment? Hopefully there is some chances soon. I guess we will just have to wait and see how laws change now that we have a new president.
I was utterly amazed by the major differences and impact of healthcare systems from different countries. One thing that shocked me was how the people of England didn’t have any medical bills to pay! But we have to also know how they did it and why. I was also surprised by Japan’s services and how less expensive it was. The prices in Japan are nearly half of what the United States would pay for. Switzerland made a huge risk by coming up with their own system of health care. I find that the Swiss has the most successful system out of all the countries. They decided to take a risk and it perfectly worked. The country has no medical bills, and no bankruptcy. I believe that the United States can adapt to the system, but people are afraid to change. Another thing to point out was the waiting time. Some countries were faster than others. If the United States is one of the most powerful and richest countries, then why are there so many issues with health care? I really think that people do not take in the consideration of the human being, and that their only interest is making money off of them. I believe that we should take health care in a different direction. If other countries are able to do it, then why not the United States? The reason why United States is having difficulties with health insurance is because of the government. No system is perfect, but I believe that the Swiss are so close to it. No medical bills, no bankruptcy, with just as much as waiting time. If only the United States are willing to make change, we as a nation are going to continue this dilemma if the government won’t be willing to take other considerations.
Based on the front line documentary,those countries with nationalized health care system are far more better of than the private system here in the USA.Even the socialized medicine in England insures that everyone gets covered and anyone that needs a health care assistance gets it.Nobody gets denied due to lack of money.Yes,there are some concerns in regard to gate keepers and long lines as well as freedom of choice when to see a specialist.These concerns are being addressed and the health care cost is much lower than the USA privately run system.The second best from the British socialized medicine is the one that has the mixture of both like the Germany and Japanese sysytem.Those countries insure everyones'coverage at the same time gives others the freedom to buy their own coverage as they please.This kind of system doesnot infringe up on people what to do, when to go see a doctoror or a specialist as same time makes sure all the citizens are covered and the health care system is healthy and smooth.The myth that due to privatization that the USA health care system is the best is not true.In the contrary the USA is lagging behind in so many measures that makes ones' health care system is the best.Forexample, the USA is behind when it compares to so many industrialized countriesin infant mortality rate.Also behind in some research break through like stem cell research.Spending too much money and yet leaving 40% of the general population uncovered doesnot guarantee quality care.A lot of other industrialized countries have a much better system that covers every one and less spending.When no one system is perfect, I think the USA needs to adapt some of the countries who showed the best system so far.
I feel that any health care system is better than ours. Great Britain has a government run National Health Service that covers everyone for less than the United States. There is no co-pay, no premium, and the people pay nothing, though they pay higher taxes to cover it. The government owns the hospitals and the patients can choose which hospital to go to. There is a negative on elective care such as hip replacements and heart operations. Some private hospitals could close and Great Britain is good in preventative medicine but does have its share of mistakes as well as waiting lists. Also, patients have to go to a General Practitioner first before they can go to a specialist. The GP’s are paid a fixed amount depending upon the number of patients they have. Finally, no one is going bankrupt because of medical bills. Japan, however, has social insurance with no waiting lists. They can cover everyone for the half the amount of the U.S. The people don’t pay through taxes, they have to buy health coverage and the insurance policies pay for the poor. They have private hospitals and doctor’s offices but 50% of the hospitals are in jeopardy of financial deficit. The doctors do make house calls and patients can go to specialists without getting a referral from a General Practitioner and they don’t need appointments. There are short visits to the doctor and they doctors negotiate fixed prices for procedures. Inexpensive machines are sold to doctors and can perform them right in the doctors office, and the doctor’s are forced to used the fixed price list or else they go out of business. This is better for patients then for doctors. The doctors have to pay into a social insurance fund and they don’t lose their insurance if they lose their job. Healthcare covers all existing conditions but the prices aren’t enough to balance the books. Germany has coverage for medical, surgical and dental procedures. The rich can pay privately if they want and the government covers everything including spa treatments and belly dancing lessons. They have to wait to see a doctor as long as the U.S. does, which isn’t that long anyway. The cost is more expensive than Japan and Britain. They have a co-pay of 15 dollars every 3 months and pregnant women pay nothing. They have many choices and have low costs, even with prescriptions and have the same quality care as in the U.S. Germany negotiates standard prices, drugs are a bargain. However, doctors and hospitals feel underpaid but they can’t raise the prices and work more hours. Although, they have less malpractice premiums and medical school was free. Taiwan took the best ideas from each country and put them all together. Everyone has equal access, they pay nothing, have no waiting lists, no bankruptcy because of medical bills. They don’t let the rich people pay privately. There is no gatekeeper, no waiting time. They have to use a “smart card” that shows their medical history. However the doctors feel underpaid and like the other countries the government doesn’t make enough money so they have to borrow from the banks to cover everyone. Switzerland had a health care reform, and now they have universal healthcare for everyone. They have the sickness law where everyone buys insurance, there have been no bankruptcy because of medical bills and the poor get help with payment. They have a fixed benefit package. The doctors don’t make much profit but they can make profit on supplement insurance and they are often competing with eachother. I think all of these countries have done a great job making health care coverage better, especially for the patients. I like how Taiwan took the best ideas from everyone and made it so people pay nothing, there are no waiting lists, no need for appointments and you don’t have to go to a General Practitioner before going to a specialist. But the country that did the best job at balancing the wants for the public and the doctors is Switzerland because in all the other countries it was great for the patients but not the doctors. They were suffering and not getting paid enough or not as much as they could in the United States. I believe the United States should try and do what Taiwan did and take the good ideas from each system and make a new better healthcare system they could maybe balance the patients interests and the doctors interests.
Honestly the best system is the japanese system. Their price locking of medical treatments and adjusting each year helps keep the medical field in prespective. It lets the constant change of new medical pratices and techs be applied and shaped into the rest of the medical system. As the video said if a treatment is constantly being used it makes sense to lower its price for the people. That said the problem is the fact the prices are kept too low and is slowly killing doctors. I think the usa could adapt much of the japanese system with only a tweak here or there to fix it. First a gov sponsered medical program where you get a MUCH cheaper medical education but instead you have to serve as a doctor in a town of gov choosing this will help spread out and even out the doctors for better coverage. Next create a price cap range for medical treatments so much that it can go down and so much that it can go up with a clinic being able to control the price inside the range to better keep the clinic going. Finally have all business carry a basic treatment plan for employees at least it can be better and should be encouraged to be so but a lot of companies have no coverage and that causes problems. Our biggest problem is the fact medicine for the people has been forgotten for money and we need to fix that. At least that is what I think.
I would say we should follow the path of Taiwan, they seem to have best model for health care reform. It would have to take large and loud protests from the public for our politicians to even consider it. we still need a for profit system, but we need to open up health care for everyone based on income. A lot would have to change for health care reform to benefit this country, the cost of living has gone up but pay hasn't, something has to either go up or go down. Some states are gonna have consider changing tax codes, there is no Income Tax in NH and the medicare system is always broke, the depend to heavily on federal funding or property taxes that go unpaid. We have to seriously accept real change if we want health care, we have to accept the fact that we may need to pay more in taxes and get less back. I used to cold call for a sub prime lender that has since gone under, one woman mortgaged a paid off house to pay $250,000 in medical bills, that should never have happened. We have to pay nurses more and put a cap on some people's salaries who don't do all that much, and make medical school more affordable and free if you are from a low income home. There is talk now that something on health care reform will be on the table by this July. I will believe when i see it.
One of the things that all of the countries featured in Sick Around the World have in common is that the government and the people of these countries have decided that health care is a right for every man, woman, and child, regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, or condition of health. And since they believe that health care is a right, they make sure that every single person has health insurance. Citizens of these countries do not have to make a choice about either making a mortgage payment or going to the doctor.
Great Britain’s system is a government run system that is paid for through taxes. The hospitals are government owned, and the hospital workers are government employees. Each person has a primary care physician that acts as a gatekeeper, which the patient has to go see before being referred to a specialist. Preventative and emergency care are top notch, but what is called elective care is hit or miss. A person can wait anywhere from 2-6 months. Overall the citizens of Britain feel they get excellent care, and the people that they interviewed had never received a hospital or doctor bill.
In Japan, everyone is also covered by a health plan, but they do have to sign up for insurance. Eighty percent of the hospitals are private hospitals; and there are no gatekeepers, so patients can go where ever they wish. Not surprisingly, the Japanese have the latest in medical technology. They are also highly satisfied with the medical care they receive. The government and doctors negotiate fees for each procedure, and the doctors can only charge what is on the fee schedule; therefore, many hospitals are struggling because they do not make enough money to keep up with rising costs. Either the prices for services will need to go up, or the people will have to pay more in co-pays, because 50% of the hospitals are in debt.
Germany has based their healthcare system on the Bismark model. Everyone is covered; however, the rich can opt out if they choose. This insurance system will even pay for spa services or fitness classes such as belly dancing. The hospitals are private hospitals, as are the doctors. The wait time to see a specialist is 1 week. To see a surgeon is 3 weeks at the most. The Germans have sickness funds that they can pay into, and if you’re pregnant, you do not have to pay for any of your care. Co-pays are $15 for three months. If a person looses their job, they will not loose their insurance. As in other countries mentioned in the video, the prices are standardized.
Taiwan looked at many countries and tried to pull the best out of each system and mesh it into the healthcare system they have today. Everyone pays for insurance, and the rich are not allowed to opt out of the national program. Like Japan, there are no gatekeepers. Each person has a smart card with all of their medical information on it, from prescriptions to procedures, and the billing goes directly to the government for payment. There are not many different insurance forms to fill out, like there are in this country.
The Swiss changed to universal coverage for their citizens. Each person has to sign up for health insurance, and the rates are community based, so the insurance companies couldn’t cherry pick all the healthy people. The government negotiates the prices of services, which cannot be raised to make money; however, the insurance companies can make more money selling supplemental insurance policies that cover “perks” that are not included in the basic healthcare package, such as having a private room if you have to go into the hospital vs staying in a ward with three other people.
The Germans and Swiss seem to have the best balance between private interests and the public health. Each citizen receives excellent medical care, without having long waits for specialists. The hospitals are not going broke, because the fees for service are too little to cover the cost of business. The Swiss pay for “ perks” not in the basic package.
For Miriam -
First of all I think all the other countries in the documentary we watched had something that we as Americans do not possess. That is all the other countries look at the preventative measures in medicine as a fundamental criteria in playing the role in there health care systems. I believe the other cultures seem to take great measures in promoting good health and diet as a first step. The Japanese with their low fat diets .The Germans and there well child care and free maternity. The Swiss and exercise and overall health are a practice in everyday wellness. Were as in America, promotion of pharmaceuticals and the need to depend on medical care after it is too late because of lack of education with profit in mind. We all Know it would have to take more than an act of congress to make any kind of substantial change and I don’t think America is willing or capable of this change due to fear. I admired particularly the ideas in Taiwan. The smart card would be only the obvious thing to do as far as reducing the costs of administration, but this change would not enable the corporations to take advantage of the overcharging and would definitely cripple the profit making. The gate keeping I did not think was so good as far as having the opportunity to choose your own doctor. I do believe the setting of standard prices for individual treatments and procedures is an excellent strategy .The physician and private facilities would therefore have no need to competent a monetary level were we as patients are the victims. However I think the Swiss have a good system in that every one pays a co pay by family but is to expensive for this economy. I think the Taiwanese has the best system of all. I think United States should look further into their system and learn how 6to make it work for its people so our children can have some sort of peace of mind in case they get sick.
The U.S. healthcare system relies on the low tax fund (compared to the universal healthcare system), therefore can only serve the public to a limited extent. But it does give the public the good of paying lower tax compared to the countries with universal health care coverage. But when talking about health coverage, the U.S. healthcare system doesn’t respond well to the question, “how about the higher percentage of people who are unable to pay the high medical bill?”. Reducing the medical bill is impossible because this is in turn the money that goes to pay the high wages of the doctors and also because the U.S. hospitals are better in equipment and treatment. The U.S. healthcare system does include the healthcare benefit from the individuals job but many jobs the U.S. citizen work for might not fully cover them.
The universal healthcare system is not favorable by those who prioritize private interest. The medical professionals and tax payers money are the great contributors for the medical coverage of the entire public. But, in Sweden and other countries that favor universal healthcare system, the people seem happy to pay high tax or get paid less in medical field for the sake of keeping this system. Private interest seem to be repressed and public good is accepted as the favorable reasoning behind their system. Then, considering both factors, the universal health care system has maintained the balance between the two than the U.S. health care system that still constitutes private disinterest and public medical coverage.
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