Full Answer Section

Aspect to Consider: Universal Coverage: Japan’s single-payer system provides universal health insurance for all citizens. This ensures preventive care and early intervention, contributing to better overall health outcomes.

Country 2: South Korea

• Spending:South Korea spends less than a third per capita on healthcare compared to the US ($4,034 vs. $12,538 in 2021) (https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SH.XPD.CHEX.PC.CD?locations=1W).
• Outcomes:South Korea also outperforms the US in life expectancy (83.4 years) and infant mortality (2.4 deaths per 1,000 live births) (https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.LE00.IN & https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/).

Aspect to Consider: Focus on Preventative Care: South Korea emphasizes preventative screenings and vaccinations. Government-sponsored programs ensure accessibility and contribute to better population health.

Contrasting the US System:

The US healthcare system is a complex mix of public and private insurance, with a significant portion of the population uninsured. This fragmented system leads to:

• High Administrative Costs:Multiple insurance companies and billing processes drive up administrative costs, diverting resources from patient care.
• Unequal Access:Lack of universal coverage creates disparities in access to preventive care and treatment.
• Focus on Treatment over Prevention:The US healthcare system often prioritizes treatment of existing conditions over preventative measures.

Conclusion:

The US spends considerably more on healthcare than many developed nations, yet health outcomes fall short. By learning from countries like Japan and South Korea, which prioritize preventative care and ensure wider access through universal coverage, the US healthcare system could potentially achieve better outcomes while optimizing resource allocation.