Alongside fiscal stimulus, the other great policy iniative of the Obama administration is healthcare reform. Few would doubt that the US system is in need of change. Indeed, from a policy making perspective, America pretty much foots the league of desirable healthcare models.
To add insult to injury, the country that comes out top is France – at least accordining to the World Health Organisation. But here's the thing: In terms of essential characteristics: the French and American systems are remarkably similar.
In a thought-provoking piece for the Atlantic, Pascal-Emmanuel Gobry sets out the facts:
So, why is the French model so much better than its American twin? Gobry doesn't dodge the complexities, but this is his main conclusion:
As to what explains this differential, the answer is basically this: The US Government allows its healthcare sector to get away with it, the French Government doesn't. Perhaps it all comes down to one fundamental principle: Say yes to competition, but no to vested interests.