Putting the United States on the Path to Universal Coverage: Lessons from Abroad
In Europe you share health costs with all people in the country, not just those who have insurance.
Setup
Universal access to health care means many things in many nations. Taxes support a single-payer system in the United Kingdom, and health care providers are reimbursed directly by the government; patients pay nothing at the point of service. In the Netherlands, the government defines a basic benefit package and regulates private insurers; everyone is required to buy coverage, and generally to pay premiums and deductibles. The Affordable Care Act was a step toward broader coverage, but if the United States truly wants access for all, these and many other models along a continuum that balances public and private sector involvement can inform the upgrade. What is the best recipe for the American environment?
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Science
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