When comparing healthcare systems, the United States is an example of

QUESTION

When comparing healthcare systems, the United States is an example of which type of system?

1. Socialized insurance
2. Voluntary insurance
3. Mandatory health insurance
4. Socialized medicine

ANSWER:

Correct Answer: 2

The United States and South Africa are examples of countries that have a voluntary insurance system. Voluntary insurance provides no guarantee of universality. Socialized insurance is a system in which all medically necessary services are covered. Mandatory insurance is found in Germany and Japan; they have large nonprofit insurance organizations called “sickness funds.” These sickness funds are centered around large employers or work-based associations. Government sponsored programs cover citizens who are not part of a sickness fund, thus ensuring universality. Socialized medicine, as practiced by the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Denmark, is a system in which the state owns and controls production. Physicians derive virtually all of their income from the government and have employment contracts with the state.