Of Health Care

I know this is a fairly contested issue in the States right now, but despite this, it really does need to be addressed. This is due primarily to funding issues, but at times unfounded accusations of "socialism" or other such nonsense. So, you know what? I'm going to come right out and say it. Japan has a universal health care system, and I love it. It's phenomenal, and despite all of the resistance that it may receive abroad, I'm completely behind the idea.

In the health care system, the government pays 70% of the fee while the individual pays 30%. Hospitals are run by doctors, not by companies for profit. Clinics are also owned and run by doctors. For those who live in Japan, enrollment is mandatory. If you are foreign though, you sometimes fall into a grey area. It's still strongly recommended that you join the health care system though.

There are two types of health care here in Japan.

1. Employees' Health Insurance (健康保険) - This is run by companies or associations, and it provides health insurance to employees. Care for employees' families is also provided through this.
2. National Health Insurance (国民健康保険) - This is normally for students or for those who are self-employed.

Individuals can go to any hospital or clinic. It's best to go with a referral though. Cost is extremely low, which is why individuals will often go to the hospital, even for minor problems. In some ways, this is beneficial. You don't have the problem of people staying sick for weeks because they can't afford to go to the doctor. They just go to the doctor and get medicine and get better. They can then go to work, and stop being a burden on their fellow coworkers who would have to cover them. On the other hand, this is a negative thing. People go to the hospital for literally anything, and for this reason, people with serious problems often have to wait.

Understand though that people can get private insurance for certain cases, and some things are not covered, like dental work. For this reason, things like braces are extremely expensive (as they are in the States as well), which is often why the Japanese will have less than stellar dental hygiene.

So, what does this mean for Japan? People do not stay sick very long, and although it may be more expensive at the onset, it is significantly less expensive as the society grows older. By protecting people when they're young, they will live longer and therefore healthier. People with serious issues will also go to the doctor, and those who just wonder if something should be checked out or not will also go to the doctor before it becomes serious. There's something to be said for this. When I went to the doctor here, it cost be 800 yen total, medicine included. That's roughly $9.50 US with the current exchange rate. I'd spend $50 just to go to meet with a doctor in the US, and my medicine would cost far more. From my humble opinion, its clear why Japan has the highest life expectancy in the world. Although its not just due to health care, and its surely due to diet as well, there is no doubt that health care cannot harm a person.

Can it be implemented elsewhere? That's what it all comes to, isn't it? And I'd say yes, it's possible, but there would have to be some changes. Certain things are efficient. Others aren't. I'm not saying to adopt the entire system, but I do think this is a good option, and if the US could adopt it, I'd back it 100%.