1) 150 words minimum**** Please include in addition to your textbook one (1) outside source that supports your position. References should come from a credible source; such as scholarly journals, etc 2) Watch the video on Germany’s healthcare system: How is it different from the US? What are some things that are better than the US? Worse than the US? How does Germany compare to other Western countries? minimum 350 words****** need both discussions seperately
The healthcare system in Germany differs significantly from that in the United States. Germany operates under a social health insurance system, which involves mandatory health insurance for all citizens. This is in contrast to the United States, where health insurance is largely employer-based and not mandatory.
One key difference between the two systems is the way healthcare is financed. In Germany, health insurance is financed through a combination of contributions from both employees and employers. These contributions are based on a percentage of an individual’s income and are collected by nonprofit sickness funds or private health insurance companies. In the United States, on the other hand, health insurance is primarily paid for by employers or individuals directly, often in the form of premiums.
Another notable difference is the level of coverage provided. In Germany, the health insurance system ensures that all citizens have access to a comprehensive range of medical services, including preventive care, hospital treatment, and prescription drugs. Furthermore, there are no pre-existing condition exclusions or lifetime coverage limits. In the United States, however, there are often gaps in coverage, and individuals with pre-existing conditions may face difficulties in obtaining affordable insurance. Additionally, some health insurance plans in the United States have coverage limits or exclusions for certain services.
A key strength of the German healthcare system is its focus on prevention and primary care. Germany has a robust primary care system, with a network of general practitioners serving as the first point of contact for patients. This emphasis on primary care has been shown to lead to better health outcomes and lower healthcare costs in the long run. In contrast, the United States has a more fragmented healthcare system, with less emphasis on primary care and a greater reliance on specialty care.
Another strength of the German system is its ability to control healthcare costs. The German government negotiates with healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies to determine the prices of medical services and drugs. This collective bargaining power helps to keep costs in check and ensures that healthcare remains affordable for citizens. In the United States, there is less centralized control over healthcare costs, leading to higher prices for medical services and medications.
One area where the German system falls short compared to the United States is in terms of waiting times for certain elective procedures. While the German system provides timely access to essential healthcare services, there can be longer waiting times for non-emergency procedures. In the United States, individuals may have more immediate access to specialized care and elective procedures, albeit at a higher cost.
When comparing Germany’s healthcare system to other Western countries, it is often regarded as one of the best in the world. The World Health Organization ranks Germany as having the 25th best healthcare system globally, while the United States ranks at 37th. Germany performs well in terms of healthcare quality, efficient use of resources, and patient satisfaction.
In conclusion, the healthcare system in Germany differs from that in the United States in terms of financing, coverage, emphasis on prevention and primary care, and ability to control costs. While the German system has strengths such as comprehensive coverage and affordability, it also has limitations, such as longer waiting times for certain procedures. Overall, Germany’s healthcare system compares favorably to other Western countries and highlights the potential benefits of a social health insurance model.
Reference:
Blümel, M., & Busse, R. (2014). Germany: Health system review. Health Systems in Transition,16(2), 1-296.