Sunday, September 20, 2009
Health Care Abroad: Switzerland
To continue the health care discussion, here is a very interesting article on the state of health care in Switzerland. The Swiss system is one those recommended for the US. It is interesting for three main reasons. First, people are legally required to purchase health insurance in competitive markets. However, the government subsidizes those who have low income. Second, "the most important difference is that health insurance in Switzerland is provided by nonprofit insurers." Finally, the basic benefit package is defined by law, and maximum drug prices are regulated. As a result, Switzerland has achieved near universal coverage. What deserves special notice is that the culture itself is very risk-averse, so "you just don’t go uninsured."
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I think that the concept of non-profit health insurance providers is something that the United States should take into consideration. It seems like an ethical concern that a profit driven industry is in control of health insurance, as the best interest of the individual is not a priority. Although markets should correct for this, as the article pointed out there are enough applicants to make insurance companies "risk averse": turning away applicants who need the health care the most.
One of the best posts of the semester- I really liked the fact that in this article the author goes step-by-step through the interview and asks all the questions that one would want to know to become more familiar with the Swiss health care system, which we have covered in class. I thought it was also very interesting that under the Swiss health care system, for the most part, you can go to any doctor that you want and that there is no real "gatekeeper" system limiting one's access to specialists.
Post a Comment