Health care is a fundamental right regardless of wealth or health status .According to the U.S. census, in 2013, 42 million Americans or 13.4% of the population were uninsured. The Keiser Family Foundation analysis of 2014 Survey of Low-Income Americans and the ACA, states that in 2014, 27 % of the uninsured went without having necessary care for major health conditions or chronic diseases. The United States has started the process of universal health care and should now look to other countries and examine their successes and challenges. We should utilize their facts to advance and improve our U.S. health care services.
Frontline’s series Sick Around the World, presented by journalist T.R. Reid, evaluated health care delivery systems of 5 countries. These countries were the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, Taiwan and Switzerland. They all show lower percentages of gross domestic product (GDP) spent on health care and lower or no monthly premium due with a higher patient satisfaction rate than the …show more content…
Waiting lists for an elective procedure or surgery can be long. Japan also touts coverage for all with no appointments necessary or waiting times at half of the U.S. costs. Hospitals get the short end by falling into a financial deficit by not obtaining enough funds to balance their budget. Germany utilizes a social service system that guarantees that health care continues even with a job loss. The doctors in Germany have boycotted due to feeling of being underpaid and overworked. Taiwan has a national insurance company that all must join and pay. They have complete benefits and no waiting times. The government is currently having to borrow from financial institutions to pay their providers. The Swiss have non profit insurance companies, lowering costs, but the government currently wants to raise family premiums above $750 per month per family
Frontline’s series Sick Around the World, presented by journalist T.R. Reid, evaluated health care delivery systems of 5 countries. These countries were the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, Taiwan and Switzerland. They all show lower percentages of gross domestic product (GDP) spent on health care and lower or no monthly premium due with a higher patient satisfaction rate than the …show more content…
Waiting lists for an elective procedure or surgery can be long. Japan also touts coverage for all with no appointments necessary or waiting times at half of the U.S. costs. Hospitals get the short end by falling into a financial deficit by not obtaining enough funds to balance their budget. Germany utilizes a social service system that guarantees that health care continues even with a job loss. The doctors in Germany have boycotted due to feeling of being underpaid and overworked. Taiwan has a national insurance company that all must join and pay. They have complete benefits and no waiting times. The government is currently having to borrow from financial institutions to pay their providers. The Swiss have non profit insurance companies, lowering costs, but the government currently wants to raise family premiums above $750 per month per family