Health Reform in China

What is health insurance like in China?  A 2011 paper by Zhong in Health Economics provides a nice overview, which I discuss in today’s post. Between the 1950s and the end of the 1970s, three primary insurance schemes covered almost all Chinese citizens. Cooperative Medical System (CMS).  This program existed in 90% of Chinese villages. …

Employer Mandate is Delayed

One important piece of the health reform law, the employer mandate, has been delayed until 2015.  This provision requires larger employers to provide health insurance coverage for their employees or pay penalties. Opinions about this provision vary widely. Sara Rosenbaum, a professor of health law and policy at George Washington University: “I am utterly astounded. …

Why do Sick Pepole Avoid Private Insurance in Germany?

Healthy, high-income people in Germany choose private health insurance. Sick, low-income people generally choose public insurance through Germany’s sickness funds. It shouldn’t be surprising risk selection between public and private insurance occurs in Germany.  Here’s why: While public premiums [in Germany] are subject to community rating, private premiums are risk rated. Moreover, public premiums are…