NPR Series Examines Health Care Systems in Five European Nations
NPR, in series titled "Health Care for All," recently examined the health care systems in five European nations, which have lower health care costs than the U.S. and provide a higher quality of care on several measures. Summaries of the stories in the series appear below.
Britain
- "Britain Weighs the Social Cost of High-Priced Drugs": The story examines how the British health care system limits coverage for certain treatments based on cost effectiveness to keep costs down and provide universal access to care (Silberner [1], NPR.org, 7/2).
- "MS Patient Falls Into American Insurance Gap": The story examines the treatment and coverage of multiple sclerosis in Britain and the U.S. (Silberner [2], NPR.org, 7/2).
France
- "France at Forefront of Free, Innovative Cancer Care": The story examines how the French health care system, which covers all residents, provides a broad range of cancer treatments, such as home care and experimental medications (Shapiro, "All Things Considered," NPR, 7/9).
- "France's Model Health Care for New Mothers": The story examines how the French health care system provides women with generous paid maternity leave, in-home nurse visits at no cost and subsidized child care, a model with which the U.S. system cannot compete, according to two mothers featured (Shapiro, "Morning Edition," NPR, 7/10).
Germany
- "Health Clinic Treats Germany's Few Uninsured": The story examines how German health clinics can meet the demand for care because only 0.2% of residents lack health insurance, compared with 18% of U.S. residents (Collins Sullivan, "Day to Day," NPR, 7/4).
- "History of Tinkering Helps German System Endure": The story examines the history of the German health care system (Knox, NPR.org, 7/3).
- "Keeping German Doctors on a Budget Lowers Costs": The story examines how the German health care system provides access to physicians, medications, technology, dental care, nursing homes and home care at a lower cost than the U.S., in part because the government requires physicians to adhere to a budget (Knox, "All Things Considered," NPR, 7/2).
- "Most Patients Happy With German Health Care": The story examines how German residents have generous health insurance and often do not have to wait for elective surgeries or diagnostic tests (Knox, "Morning Edition," NPR, 7/3).
Netherlands
- "In the U.S. and Holland, Diabetes Looks Different": The story examines how, although the Dutch health care system has similarities with a large HMO, the nation provides health care for all residents, with a focus on preventive care for those with chronic illness (Neighmond, NPR.org, 7/2).
Switzerland
- "In Switzerland, a Health Care Model for America?": The story examines how the Swiss health care system could serve as a model for efforts by the U.S. to require the purchase of insurance while providing subsidies to those who cannot afford to purchase coverage (Rovner, NPR.org, 7/2).
