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THE FINANCIAL NATURE OF THE MARKET OF VOLUNTARY MEDICAL INSURANCE IN THE COUNTRIES OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

Abstract

Within the framework of this article, it is advisable to consider trends and mechanisms for reforming health systems that are key elements in achieving success. The review of national health models of the EU countries shows a rather wide range of possible approaches to financing, organising and providing medical care. While expectations related to health care systems are growing, and cost justification is constantly being questioned, governments need to find the answer to the cardinal question: what is the most appropriate way to finance our health care? As a rule, not one country has only one net source of income. Historically, most countries in Europe have developed primary financing systems of health care, either from the budget or through health insurance. To a greater or lesser extent, the primary health financing system is being developed in the presence of other forms. Currently, all existing health systems are reduced to three main economic models. These are: paid medicine, based on market principles using private health insurance, state medicine with a budgetary financing system and a health system based on the principles of social insurance and market regulation with a multi-channel financing system. It is interesting to note that the principles of insurance medicine in most countries of the world still dominate both completely private and fully public funding. The corpus of data on the impact of various methods of financing is growing. The present study explores ways to mobilise revenues and the consequences of choosing a funding mechanism or a combination of mechanisms. Different mechanisms are evaluated on the basis of various criteria, one of which is the impact on social justice. Do we want to put a paying heavy burden on the poor and the sick? Existing evidence suggests that the mobilisation of revenues for health market mechanisms are limited. Privatisation can lead to the violation of the principles of social justice and equal access to services: private health insurance is very regressive, and user charges are a gross political tool. The purpose of our study is to analyze the nature and characteristics of the market for private (voluntary) health insurance in the European Union in terms of market structure and financing functions.

Authors: Phab.D. Plotnic Olesea, Associate professor, Jean Monnet Professor

                Ciochina Elena, PhD Student, Doctoral School in Law, Political Science and Administrative

Keywords: health system, market, voluntary medical insurance, financing, income, health models.

Link: http://www.editura.uaic.ro/produse/editura/ultimele-aparitii/european-financial-regulation-eufire-2018-1685/1/1

 

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