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Health Care in Germany. A brief overview Herr Riddle. Culture Capsule. You wake up one morning at your host family‘s and your eye is swollen shut. You are insured as a foreigner. You would… A. Go to the hospital emergency B. You can‘t go to the hospital (your insurance doesn’t cover it)
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Health Care in Germany A brief overview Herr Riddle
Culture Capsule • You wake up one morning at your host family‘s and your eye is swollen shut. You are insured as a foreigner. You would… • A. Go to the hospital emergency • B. You can‘t go to the hospital (your insurance doesn’t cover it) • C. Have to make an appointment with an Arzt
Culture Capsule • You are in the emergency room, waiting for a doctor. You haven‘t made an appointment. It will probably take you… • A. As long as it takes in America about 20 minutes • B. It‘s Saturday, so about 2 hours. • C. The system is so good, they see you right away!
Culture Capsule • In Germany, health insurance is mandatory. Compared to American prices, insurance is… • A. about the same • B. very expensive • C. dirt cheap
A Brief History • 1883: Health Insurance Act • GKV - gesetzliche Krankenversicherung • 26% of lower-paid • 10% of Population • 1995: if you earn less than the income ceiling, you must participate (DM 70,000)
Statistics • 16 states share responsibility with BT • 2030 Hospitals • 790 public, 820 non profit, 420 private • Many are run by churches • WHO: 358/ 100,000 (America has 279)
Overview • EVERYONE until the are 65 has to pay into a state Krankenversicherung • America - between 25 and 30% UNINSURED!!! • Between 300 and 400 plans • Employees contribute about 14% shouldered equally from employee and employer • It is possible to purchase private insurance
What‘s it like? • Same concept; • Allgemeinmediziner • Fachärzte • Hausarzt - transfer if necessary • LONG waits • You have to pay 10 Euro per quarter on your first visit per doctor unless referred
Does Germany have a good health care system? • According to WHO: YES! • Germany ranks 25th out of almost 200 beating America which is 37 • Publicly insured patience are at no disadvantage • Opposite is true in America
Concerns • Lack of screening for breast cancer • Under developed palliative care system • Approximately 12 beds per million • Many fear that the rich poor diachotomy is emerging despite the generally excellent results.