Health Insurance in Practice

Examines the strengths and weaknesses of health insurance programmes in developed countries around the world and uses a lessons-from-abroad approach to offer suggestions for solving the current crisis in American health care financing.

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This book pinpoints the strengths and weaknesses of health insurance programmes in developed countries around the world and uses a lessons-from-abroad approach to offer suggestions for solving the current crisis in American health care financing. Going beyond a country-by-country description of health care systems, the author presents an in-depth analysis and comparison of administrative and financing methods used in both private and social insurance. He reveals how nationwide financing, particularly in countries with a mix of social and private coverage can help control costs, reduce paperwork, and minimize disputes. A range of topics - including methods of capping total expenditure, controlling the reimbursement of providers, and shifting some costs to patients - provides readers with a wider perspective on the pros and cons of various health care systems.