Global Healthcare costs are rising
From the New York Times comes a short snippet covering the growing costs associated with healthcare on a global scale. Well established national healthcare systems in other parts of the world are also feeling the pinch of providing healthcare to the point that employers have to supplement the costs out of their own pockets.
The reverse is occurring in the U.S. as we have seen in recently where business are dropping group health benefits for employees due to the high cost and advocating for some sort of state or federal program to pick up the slack. Much discussion in the presidential race has centered on the U.S. developing a national health insurance program especially for those unable to afford or obtain coverage on their own or from their employer.
Several states in the U.S. are attempting to formulate comprehensive health insurance programs; Massachusetts has been one of the first states to do so but is finding out that the financial burden of operating such a program is quite daunting.
The table from the Times shows the increase of employer contributions in percentages from 2007 to 2008 to maintain health benefits for employees.
It is likely that even with the best designed health benefit program from a state or national level there will have to be a proportional contribution from another source to ensure the program’s fiscal viability. Healthcare albeit a social issue, is too large to expect any one entity to foot the bill for it. Unless the U.S. institutes a federally based health blanket for all which is supported through a generous tax base, I would say the best we can hope for is a combined system that draws on several different sources to meet financial obligations.
About the Author
Mike Pringle is the creator of Mike’s ViewPoint, where he provides his perspective on various Healthcare issues. He currently works at Falmouth Hospital and has over 20 years of Nursing experience. Mike has a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, a Masters Degree in Public Administration with a healthcare emphasis and specializes in both Emergency and Critical Care Nursing. Mike’s experience includes being the Executive Officer (2nd in Command) Combat Military Medical Facility as well as being a Nursing Supervisor at his current position.
