Sick Around The World

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Sick Around the World watch “Sick Around The World” (either at or at and answer the following questions: 1) What does “universal health care” mean? Which countries in the film have universal health care? 2) How do the British pay for their National Health Service? What, according to the film, might Americans not like about the British system? 3) Japanese citizens visit doctors three times more often as Americans, and have longer life spans and lower infant mortality than Americans. How do the Japanese pay for their health care system? 4) In Germany, the rich pay for the poor, the ill are covered by the healthy, health insurance continues with or without employment, and doctors, who are private entrepreneurs, make less money than they did before reform. Why will doctors in Germany accept less money? Should the rich pay for the poor when it comes to health insurance? Why or why not? 5) Taiwan designed its health care system in 1995, after looking at health care in 10-15 other countries. What do you think works well in the Taiwanese system? 6) Evaluate the U.S. health care system in comparison to some of the other systems explained in the film. How does the U.S. system compare, in terms of access, cost, and equity? Compare the U.S. on each dimension to at least two other countries. Do you think the U.S. should adopt universal health care? Why or why not?

Paper For Above instruction

The documentary "Sick Around The World" provides a comprehensive examination of various international health care systems, emphasizing distinct approaches to universal health coverage, funding mechanisms, and systemic efficiencies. Analyzing these models offers insights into potential reforms and the feasibility of adopting similar policies within the United States.

1. Definition of Universal Health Care and Countries Featured

Universal health care refers to a health system where every individual has access to necessary medical services without suffering financial hardship. It aims to ensure equitable access and improve overall population health. In the film, countries such as the UK (with its National Health Service), Japan, Germany, and Taiwan demonstrated models of universal health coverage. These nations have structured their health systems around principles of inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that all citizens benefit from health services regardless of socioeconomic status.

2. British Payment System and Perceptions

The UK funds its National Health Service predominantly through taxation, with contributions from individuals and employers. The system is publicly financed, providing free or low-cost services at the point of care. According to the film, Americans may perceive the British system's long waiting times and perceived lack of innovation as drawbacks. Critics argue that the reliance on government funding might lead to inefficiencies and delays, which can be perceived negatively by Americans accustomed to swift access and technological advancements prevalent in the U.S. healthcare system.

3. Japanese Healthcare Payment and Outcomes

Japan's healthcare system is primarily financed through mandatory health insurance plans, which individuals pay into through employers or purchasing coverage independently. Japanese citizens visit doctors more frequently, have longer life expectancy, and lower infant mortality rates compared to Americans. These positive health outcomes are attributed to system features such as universal coverage, preventative care emphasis, and accessible primary healthcare services, which lead to early detection and management of illnesses.

4. German Healthcare System and Ethical Considerations

In Germany, the system employs a social health insurance model where the costs of care are shared among the healthy and the sick, with income-based contributions. Doctors operate as private entrepreneurs and are paid through insurance funds but accept lower fees post-reform. Many doctors agree to accept less money due to the increased volume of patients and the necessity of maintaining a sustainable practice within the regulated system. Ethical considerations surface regarding whether the wealthy should subsidize health costs for the poor, reflecting societal values about fairness and social responsibility. Many argue that redistribution ensures equitable health outcomes, reducing disparities and promoting social cohesion.

5. Taiwan's Healthcare System and Effective Practices

Taiwan’s National Health Insurance, established in 1995, is notable for its single-payer system, cost efficiency, and widespread coverage. It integrates various healthcare providers into a unified insurance scheme, utilizing a smart card system for seamless billing and access. The system’s success lies in its comprehensive coverage, low administrative costs, and efficiency in resource utilization. Furthermore, Singapore and South Korea offer comparable models with innovative uses of technology and preventative healthcare focus, which Taiwan has effectively adapted to achieve high levels of population coverage and cost containment.

6. Comparison of US Healthcare with Other Models

The U.S. healthcare system is markedly different from the systems presented in the film. It provides high-quality care for some but suffers from significant issues regarding access and affordability. In terms of access, uninsured and underinsured populations face barriers, leading to disparities. Cost-wise, the U.S. spends more per capita than any other country, yet health outcomes do not significantly surpass those of other nations. When evaluating equity, the U.S. displays stark disparities, with marginalized groups experiencing poorer health outcomes compared to wealthier populations. Compared to the UK and Japan, the U.S. system offers less universal access and tends to prioritize specialized, high-tech treatments over primary and preventive care.

Given these disparities, many advocate for the adoption of universal health care in the U.S. as a pathway to ensure equitable access, improve health outcomes, and control costs. Implementing a system modeled after successful models elsewhere could help address current deficiencies, but it requires substantial policy shifts, resource allocation, and cultural changes.

In conclusion, examining international health care systems reveals that thoughtful reforms focusing on equity, cost efficiency, and preventive care can significantly improve health outcomes. While the U.S. faces unique challenges due to its size and political landscape, adopting elements of universal coverage remains a compelling option for creating a more equitable and sustainable health system.

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