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

Question

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

Answer 1

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.