Health Care: Germany vs. America
It’s still kind of hard to believe that there are so many uninsured individuals in America. Over time, a lot of folks begin to wonder who is truly at fault. The health care system in the States isn’t as great as it should be or as we would like it to be. Access to affordable health care is decreasing each day and those who have pre-existing health conditions give up hope of ever finding a plan that will approve them or one that will give them affordable rates. There are people in other countries living with a universal health care system and it seems to be working rather well; in fact, dollar for dollar, some countries outperform the U.S. by 500% or more.
Case in Point: Health Insurance in Germany
Take Germany for example; there you will find all working individuals pitching in 8% of their earnings to the health care system. Everyone is given equal access to medical care and procedures with no long waiting periods or prejudice – even those who have chronic illnesses. Many people have the perspective that universal health care doesn’t give quick access, but results have shown otherwise; getting seen by the doctor isn’t difficult and sometimes house calls are even made. Unlike in America, Germany has a 24-hour number you can call to talk to an actual doctor – in the U.S. individuals can hardly get in touch with one. Ten percent have access to special care because they spend more for the coverage – these are entrepreneurs and those that can afford it ($72,000+ annual salary). They are also treated first and they receive extra services.
Raw Numbers: German Health Care
America has approximately 302 million people, a life expectancy of 78 and 15.3% GDP spent annually on health care. In Germany, there are approximately 82.3 million people with a life expectancy of 79 and a 10.7% GDP health care spending rate each year. The health care in Germany is universal – 88% being employer-employee based. In America, it’s 54% employee-employer based and 46% governmental funded (Medicare and Medicaid). The individuals that are covered make up 82% of the adults under 65 and 100% of the individuals who are over 65. In Germany the coverage is 99.8% of all the citizens and legal residents.
The health care spending average per person in America is $6,402 — $2,884 of it from the government, $4,676 paid to private insurance (52% of costs paid by employer and the rest by the employee) and $842 in out-of-pocket costs. In Germany the annual per person costs for health care is $3,673 — $2,518 of it is required from the employment-based coverage or non-for-profit agencies, $259 paid to for-profit agencies, $349 from the government and $547 in out-of-pocket costs.
Germans pay 8% of their gross income towards health care and those who make over $75,000 can and have to get for-profit insurance. In America, financing is from the bigger companies are self-insured, government programs like Medicaid/Medicaid and co-payments and deductibles from plans. Included in the coverage in Germany are comprehensive care, basic dental, full prescription coverage and long-term care. America is known for having leading edge advanced medical technology, drugs and medical centers. Most can choose their own doctor.
Problems faced in the German health care system include large and growing population, high rate of specialist visits and high costs. In America, health care problems are the access to health insurance for those working and still in poverty, rich and poor discrepancies and overuse of tests and procedures. There is a low international ranking in America when it comes to basic health measures – this includes preventable deaths and infant mortality.
So what will it take to develop a better health care system in America? Should we transfer to universal health care or should it be left up to the people? How can our government ensure better coverage for everyone?
Tags: america, germany, health care, universal health
