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2022.

Types of Health Systems

There are about 200 countries on the planet, only 40 of which adopt a formal system. Below is a list of the four

different types of health care models.

BEVERIDGE MODEL

Named after William Beveridge, the U.K. social reformer who helped create the National Health System

Health care both paid for and provided by the government Free at point of service Financed through taxation – sometimes dedicated taxation, sometimes general tax revenues,

and sometimes both Examples: United Kingdom, New Zealand, Spain, U.S. Veterans Health Administration

BISMARCK MODELBISMARCK

Named after Prussian Chancellor Bismarck Health care paid for by non-profit insurance firms and provided by public and private actors Financed by employees and employers, generally through payroll deductions; often

complemented by general tax revenues Examples: Germany, France, Netherlands, Japan, Switzerland

NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE OR SINGLE-PAYER MODEL

Health care paid for by government-run insurance programs and provided by public and private actors

Financed through taxation – sometimes dedicated taxation, sometimes general revenues, and sometimes both

Examples: Canada (at a provincial level), South Korea, U.S. Medicare

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Health care paid for by consumers to public and private care providers Little to no insurance coverage This model is used by most low- and middle-income countries Examples: Chad, India, Rwanda

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