Mod 2 Assignment 3 Research Proposal

Mod 1 Assignment Hospital Management

Deborah Allen

Argosy University

A comparison between the U.S. Healthcare System and the United Kingdom Healthcare System

Introduction

It is imperative to note that regarding the healthcare systems of the U.S and the United Kingdom, there are notable differences, as well as similarities. However, much of the American health care policies have been borrowed from the U.K’s healthcare system due to historical reasons. Nevertheless, the fundamental differences occur in the manner in which both countries offer their healthcare services (Jonas et. al, 2013). This paper will expound on the comparison between the two countries healthcare system and articulate on both the differences and similarities.

The U.K Healthcare System

Aneurin Bevan, who was a British politician, founded the U.K healthcare system immediately after the infamous World War II. Ideally, this healthcare system is government-run, and it is free specifically at the point of access mainly to its users. However, it is not ‘free’ since the NHS (National Health Service) is paid through taxation. Hence, the users mainly pay for the NHS through their taxes. In essence, the U.K’s government guarantees the paramount right to healthcare access to all its citizens through the noble NHS program. Subsequently, the NHS is primarily a market-minimized, as well as a national health service model, which is the key means of obtaining healthcare services in the country (Aspalter, Uchida & Gauld, 2012).

On the other hand, this healthcare system is a socialized system, which is open to all the British citizens. The NHS is a fully comprehensive system, which includes technology, healthcare facilities, staff, delivery, coverage, financing, and pharmaceuticals. Nevertheless, there is a current emerging U.K private healthcare industry, which includes two large private insurers, but they are not popular. These two insurers are BUPA and AXA PP (Aspalter, Uchida & Gauld, 2012).

On the same note, the U.K’s healthcare system encounters various challenges that include frustrating bureaucracy, numerous delays and lack of latest advanced technologies although the government is striving to minimize these incidences. Conversely, since the government wholly funds the NHS program, it ensures that it spends a substantial amount of money specifically on preventative medicine to keep its citizens healthy. Thus, later expensive treatment is drastically reduced through this method (Aspalter, Uchida & Gauld, 2012).

The U.S Healthcare System

The private sector largely controls the U.S healthcare system, and this leads to many American citizens spending immense amounts of their money on various health insurance policies. In essence, these health insurance policies are mainly market-driven, and they allow its users with access to speedier treatments and healthcare technologies that are more advanced. However, in the U.S, healthcare is not regarded as a fundamental right for its citizens as compared to the U.K. Many critics claim that it only favors the wealthy (Jonas et. al, 2013).

Hence, those citizens that cannot afford these non-compulsory insurance payments prefer emergency treatment, which lacks palliative or preventive care (Niles, 2011). Additionally, such people result in the use of Medicare and Medicaid specifically for those that are elderly and on welfare. Importantly, President Obama through his popular Obamacare healthcare program is a strong opponent advocating for extended healthcare coverage to each citizen through the ACA (Affordable Care Act). In addition, there is also the current Patient Protection program, which is being debated which will ensure a universal healthcare system for the American citizens (Jonas et. al, 2013).

Conclusion

It is worth noting that both healthcare systems have various similarities, which include struggling with escalating costs of healthcare for its citizens, and both have embarked on vital programs, which will make healthcare better. Conversely, both countries have instituted noble reforms, which will keep their healthcare systems intact. In principle, the U.S is ensuring that it enacts subsidies and reforms, which will enable more citizens, acquire affordable health care although a majority of them lack insurance (Niles, 2011).

References

Aspalter, C, Uchida, Y, & Gauld, R. (2012). Health Care Systems in Europe and Asia. New York: Routledge.

Jonas, S., Goldsteen, R. L., Goldsteen, K., & Jonas, S. (2013). Jonas' introduction to the U.S. health care system. New York: Springer Pub. Co.

Niles, N. J. (2011). Basics of the U.S. health care system. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett.