Comparison of Spain Essay

Submitted By sallymae1984
Words: 1019
Pages: 5
Open Document
Comparison of Spain’s and the United States Healthcare Systems

June 17, 2013

Defining the term Universal in relation to Healthcare on December 10, 1948, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 25 states, “Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for health and well-being, including food, clothing, housing, medical care and necessary social services.” (Excerpts from The International Bill of Rights, United Nations). This is the basic definition of universal health care which was adopted by many countries. There are many models for universal health care. The common denominator for all universal health care programs is that they require some form of government involvement. As a government it must be decided what type of care is provided, who receives the care and the determination for the basis of coverage. To cover the cost of the universal plan the nation’s population either has compulsory insurances, taxes, or possibly the combination of both. There could also be the breakout of what is covered and what is not, meaning the patient may directly pay for some procedures. The United States signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but did not ratify the social and economic sections of the declaration that covered health care. In as such, health care in the United States is a business and all businesses are to be managed for profit. Private healthcare insurance is paid for by the individual, or can be a shared cost thru an employer and a group of people. In some rare instances the insurance premium is paid for completely and entirely by the employer. Private health care insurance still has the negotiated areas of how much the insurance company will cover and how much they will charge you for single coverage or for added members of the family. Premiums will vary according to the risk that the insurance company is covering. Spain has guaranteed healthcare for its population of 47,042,984 citizens (Spain People 2012, CIA World Factbook) written into its constitution. There are no out of pocket expenses for its citizens aside from prescription drugs. In comparison the United States, population of 314,905,960 (December 10, 2012, U.S. & World Population Clocks) has many options for healthcare coverage. Consumers may choose to purchase health insurance from any private insurance company. There is also the group plans that are employer sponsored thru their workplace. In addition there are the federally subsidized programs that are in place for the elderly and low income persons. Even with all these options there are millions of Americans that are uninsured. The only mandated care at this time is through the Emergency Department of a hospital. Basically if you are sick or injured and show up at the Emergency Room they cannot turn you away. Many factors need to be considered when looking at the costly expense of healthcare for a country. You have to consider the age breakouts for the population. How many of the citizens are working and paying taxes? What makes up the main diet for the country? Does the population as a whole lead an active healthy lifestyle? Is tobacco use considered acceptable in the country? Is preventable care education assessable to all citizens regardless of their economic status? These are all areas of “cost” when you look at a total “bill” for healthcare. With the United States population at over 300 million and Spain’s at over 46 million the breakout for working adults is crucial in the factors that pay for or subsidize healthcare cost for its citizens. The CIA World Factbook was used to find the age structure for both countries. Spain’s working are group, 15-64 years is 67.7% with an unemployment rate as of December 2012 of 25%. The United States working are group, 15-64 years is 66.8% with an unemployment rate of 7.7%. Unemployment rates make a big difference in the amount of revenue the country takes in as taxes. If you have less
Show More

Related Documents: Comparison of Spain Essay

Comparison of Men and Women's Time Spent Essay

possible to look onto more detailed issues during this long drawn topic. For this paperΓÇÖs sake we will be looking at a comparison of men and women in how their time is spent and in detail how women seem to have more time focused on non-leisurely tasks than men. To help prove this point it however we must compare and contrast information found from five countries: France, Spain, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. The two main categories that will be looked at to help…

Words 1054 - Pages 5

Spain's Economy Essay

global scale of economies. Following the fall of General Franco, a dictator who led the country for the better part of four decades, Spain integrated to become a part of the European Union. Although there turned out to be some bumps in the road, by 2008 Spain had become the 5th largest economy in Europe and nearly on par with its Western European neighbors. Since then, Spain has been one of the hardest hit by the global economic crisis, suffering from crippling unemployment and multiple large bank bailouts…

Words 1570 - Pages 7

Similarities Between Christopher Columbus And Charles Lindberg

One ocean, two people, two different transportation methods, two different goals, and two totally different time periods. You might be wondering the specifics, well I’m talking about the comparison between Christopher Columbus and Charles Lindberg and their journeys. Each had different struggles and challenges thrown their way, but they both did extraordinary things that have given them both reputations that will last for a very long time. But there is still quite a bit of similarities, differences…

Words 412 - Pages 2

Germany vs Spain Financial Systems Essay

Comparative Financial Systems Assignment 1 Jon Lakidain (ID: 854235) THE FINANCIAL SYSTEMS OF GERMANY AND SPAIN 1 Table of Contents Comparative Financial Systems Assignment 1 Jon Lakidain (ID: 854235) Executive Summary .....................................................................…

Words 1489 - Pages 6

Essay on Acupuncture In Europe

throughout Europe. By law in 12 EU Member States, ie Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain acupuncture is recognized as a distinct therapeutic system. A medical degree is required to practice acupuncture in Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Slovenia and Spain. In Belgium and Portugal the law does not explicitly exclude non-medical practitioners, but has not yet been implemented. In Denmark it is allowed for everyone…

Words 1276 - Pages 6

Spanish Force Migratory Moveent in the Civil War Essay

the Spanish civil war and its result of the nationalist or fascist side winning the war, affected the republican population or any other type of opposition. The Spanish Civil War (1936-39), was a military revolt against the Republican government of Spain, supported by conservative elements within the country. When an initial military coup failed to win control of the entire country, a bloody civil war ensued, fought with great ferocity on both sides. The Nationalists, as the rebels were called, received…

Words 688 - Pages 3

Comparison Essay 1

World History Comparison Essay 1 October 1, 2014 Portugal vs. Spain(S.P.I.C.E.) Spain and Portugal are both isolated and left out from the Mediterranean trade. Portugal was the first one to reach India by traveling around the tip of Africa. Spain was the first one to discover America with Columbus’ help. Portugal was the first to hear about this unknown land from Columbus. This caused Portugal to immediately send ships to conquer land. Spain though it was not fair since without Spain funding Columbus…

Words 925 - Pages 4

Cuba Vs Spain Essay

every day, is Spain. The main reason why this country has allowed the entry and residence of a larger number of Cuban immigrants is because approximately 65% of Cuban people comes from Spanish ancestors. As I have the opportunity to live in Spain and Cuba, I have been able to learn and perceive with my eyes the considerable differences in these two countries. However, some similarities between them can be seen clearly. One of the most important and significant facts of comparison, in relation…

Words 717 - Pages 3

Americans In Poverty Analysis

the current time period such as refrigerators, air conditioning, stoves/ovens, and televisions. What may not be realized, however is the comparison between the American level of poverty and the rest of the world. Americans in poverty live in better conditions than people in poverty of other nations. McMaken of the Mises Institute published in 2015 the comparison between the American idea of poor and the idea of poor in…

Words 570 - Pages 3

Australia's Retirement System

of retirement/pension of only mandatory public programs among the eight countries under examination, many similarities and differences exist. For example, in regards to the public programs offered in these countries, the most generous are France, Spain, Norway, and Sweden, while the least generous are the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia, exhibited in Graph 3 (page 6). Though differing levels of generosity among these eight nations, they all follow a similar template of eligibility…

Words 1198 - Pages 5