German Health Care
Sickness funds (300 statutory) Those who make above 3,862 euro per month may opt out Premiums are a percentage of income (average 14 percent of which employer pays half) Competition amongst funds to get members
Physicians belong to regional physician associations which bargains for the physicians and pays the physicians Hospitals -54% public -38% non-profit - 8% for-profit
Can go directly to a specialist Can go to a different physician and do not need an appointment 2.3 physicians per 1000 population 1.5 in UK 2.1 in Canada 3.0 in USA 0.7 in world
Unemployed who have worked continue – employer share paid by national insurance system Unemployed never worked have an arrangement made with one of local funds of last resort Removed in 2004 – non-prescription drugs and taxi rides to physicians office