Healthcare System in Switzerland, Essay Example

Introduction

The Swiss healthcare system represents a government-based spending model rather than a consumer-driven approach, and its expenditures per capita are just behind the United States and Norway (Roy, 2011). This system supports universal healthcare coverage and the most advanced technologies to support patient care and treatment (Roy, 2011). Furthermore, the system only supports the purchase of insurance by the consumer, rather than to provide insurance through an employer-sponsored plan (Roy, 2011). Since each private citizen purchases his or her own insurance, there are over 100 options and competitive rates to attract consumers to these different plans (Roy, 2011). Finally, customers have the freedom to choose their own physicians and do not have lengthy waiting times for office visits (Roy, 2011).

Analysis

The system is not tax-based and requires all persons to have insurance within a three-month window of their arrival (Internations.org, 2014). No pre-existing condition requirements exist under this plan, and treatments that are not covered by insurance must be clearly delineated by the insurance provider (Internations.org, 2014). This type of system is influential because it provides a high level quality of care for patients and hospitals must meet rigorous standards in order to effectively conduct their operations (Internations.org, 2014).

Care rationing in Switzerland is not required, but the costs of spending are reduced somewhat through the regulation of laboratory fees and drug prices (Schwartz, 2009). When health insurance costs are more than eight percent of an individual’s income, he or she is provided with a government-sponsored subsidy in the form of direct cash to supplement the cost of insurance (Schwartz, 2009). This is the case in approximately 35-40 percent of households, and it represents a means of enabling residents to afford the required healthcare coverage without a significant burden to their wallets (Schwartz, 2009). In this country, no Medicare-type program exists for older adults; therefore, they receive the same subsidies as the younger population if they qualify (Schwartz, 2009).

Since the coverage available is generally comprehensive, consumers have a number of choices with their healthcare and are able to capitalize on these options to improve their health (Bennett & Bandel, 2013). Since the country has low levels of obesity, cancer, stroke, and childhood diabetes, the system appears to be working effectively in meeting patient needs throughout the country (Bennett & Bandel, 2013).There are many hospitals available in Switzerland, which tends to drive up healthcare costs, yet access for consumers is very high and is supported by residents (Bennett & Bandel, 2013). In spite of the advantages of the system, however, forward thinking experts are concerned regarding the expansion of older adults within the country in the coming years and how they will receive adequate care and treatment (Bennett & Bandel, 2013). In this nation, patient satisfaction with the healthcare system is very high and represents a very high life expectancy rate; therefore, the system is successful on many levels in supporting the Swiss patient population effectively (Bachmann, 2012).

Conclusion

Healthcare in Switzerland serves as a viable model for other nations, such as the United States, in order to establish universal healthcare coverage and to provide high quality care and treatment in its clinics and hospitals throughout the country. This model represents a means of managing a universal healthcare system that is supportive of its patients, is cost competitive, and provides them with the tools and resources that are required to meet their needs effectively and efficiently. Although there may be some concerns regarding the system, its overall effectiveness is very high and should serve as a model for many years to come.

References

Bachmann, H. (2012). Switzerland has its own kind of Obamacare – and loves it. Retrieved From http://nation.time.com/2012/08/16/health-insurance-switzerland-has-its-own-kind-of-obamacare-and-loves-it/

Bennett, S., & Bandel, C. (2013). Obamacare sees Swiss show mandatory-private system works. Retrieved from http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-05-16/obamacare-sees-swiss-show-mandatory-private-system-works.html

Internations (2014). Healthcare in Switzerland. Retrieved from http://www.internations.org/switzerland-expats/guide/living-in-switzerland-15504/healthcare-in-switzerland-2

Roy, A. (2011). Why Switzerland has the world’s best health care system. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/theapothecary/2011/04/29/why-switzerland-has-the-worlds-best-health-care-system/

Schwartz, N.D. (2009). Swiss health care thrives without public option. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/01/health/policy/01swiss.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0