Sep 9, 2009
It’s called “National Health Insurance”
You want to talk about health care reform? Taiwan has a national health insurance program. It isn’t perfect, but it works. Here’s what my health card looks like:
As members of the local economy, Fulbrighters are required to join the health insurance program, which means that for the year that we are here in Taiwan, we get to enjoy the same health benefits that the Taiwanese do. We just pay a small co-pay for doctor’s visits, prescription medicine, Chinese medicine in addition to Western medicine, everything from soup to nuts. Oh, and it covers dental, too.
The system has been up and running for several years, now. This is an expensive government program, but the people here recognize it for the valuable service that it provides.
The card contains a computer chip that tracks individuals’ medical records and treatment history. You swipe your card in the doctor’s office, and the clinic is instantly tied into the nationwide network. The office visit is automatically paid for, and your records get updated in the central database, and
If Taiwan can do this, why can’t the US?!
Ohhh, I wish, I wish, I wish!
Something you mentioned to me while at PW; and I’m paraphrasing: Due to the size difference things can take off (or work) in the ‘Wan that can’t happen in the U.S. You were talking about markets then, but we could apply it here as well. I’m not saying it’s impossible, but monumentally challenging. There is also a huge difference in care. Coverage is good, but what about the quality of care?
BTW, I actually prefer the dental in Taiwan to what we get here. US dental is vastly overpriced for roughly the same care; albeit to the same luxurious facilities. Ah… to look out at the bus stop as I get a root canal.
Methinks this is a very complex nut to crack.