Health policy regimes and the single European market

Article Abstract:

The EC's establishment of a single European market on Jan 1, 1993 probably does not presage any basic changes in the 12 member state's health care systems. The single market means that products, services, people and money can now flow freely between France, Italy, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, the UK, Ireland, Greece, Spain and Portugal. The traditional European belief in social welfare will continue to shape health care policy. New laws on trade, economic and fiscal matters may influence health care by affecting the pharmaceutical and health insurance industries.

Forecasts and trends, European Union, Single European market

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Japan: maintaining equity through regulated fees

Article Abstract:

Japan, which in 1961 became the first non-Western nation to attain universal health coverage, did so in a manner that developing countries should consider emulating. Japan's health care system retains equitability and accessibility while combining low costs with first-rate quality. Costs are controlled through use of a uniform fee schedule for government payments to providers. This schedule allows the government to decide which services to encourage. Adjusting to Japan's aging population is the principal difficulty facing the country's health care system.

Japan, National health insurance

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Germany: solidarity at a price

Article Abstract:

Germany has attained its goal of creating a health care system that is open to all citizens, offers freedom of choice and restrains costs. Though German health care is privately financed, regulation at the federal, state and local levels ensures that accessibility, affordability and quality are not compromised. Controls such as limits on contributions to sickness funds keep costs reasonable. However, German health care also faces challenges such as combining ambulatory and hospital care and modernizing east German health care.

Germany

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