A ‘Third Way’ On Health Care That Works From the Netherlands
I suggest the authors take off their rose coloured glasses and actually do a little research. For example, over 60% of the cost is bourne by government (not the private payments), which really means it’s paid for by those in the Netherlands who bother to work (especially those that bother to work full time, an increasing rarity). That’s done by charging a minimum of 33.5% income tax (on those earning under ~25K US) rising to 52% on those earning over ~75k US. Plus a 19% VAT (i.e. sales tax), and corporate rates in the 20-25% range. Plus a host of others…
Meanwhile, about 2% of deaths are euthenasia (i.e. when someone else decides it’s time for you to die) and growing; and the gov’t is ventuting into mandating the cheapest generic drugs for treatment (after originally allowing doctor/patient free choice). (Aside from the health issue, ask yourself who is going to be inventing new drugs – most of which now come only from the States – if drug companies no longer have a reason to do research).
You can’t escape the tragedy of the commons, and you can’t escape the fact that under socialism, you soon run out of other people’s money.
