Japan’s Health System
Contrary to what Dr. Smith would have you think, Japan’s health care system is not a strict single-payer system, and Kerry’s plan has nothing to do with single-payer. I’m not sure if she’s just trying to smear Kerry by connecting “financial ruin” with Kerry and “single-payer,” but she’s completely wrong about it. I’d expect a little more research from someone who blogs so prolifically about politics and health policy.
Japan spends 8% of its GDP on health care and insures their entire population, _including_ long-term care. We spend almost 75% more per person, don’t cover everyone, and don’t provide long-term care, either. Who’s really failing, Dr. Smith?
(If you’re curious, a good summary of the Japanese system and its struggles and reform efforts.)
The WHO link to the Japanese health care system summary is hosed, Graham.
Syd really needs to start getting some facts vaguely straight. When I last looked at the numbers in the early 1990s Japanese doctors earn about DOUBLE what their US counterparts earn. In fact a move from Ohio to Osaka might make Syd happy as well as us!
I’d better dig out my Japanese stuff for THCB….
I wonder if Dr. Sydney Smith is afraid of comment spam or comments themselves?
Somehow I suspect the latter.