This discussion will explore the economics of healthcare in two separate discussions. In the first discussion, we will explore different healthcare systems around the world.

Part 1 of the discussion: You are to read the article on the Four Healthcare Models, which can be found in the last module in Canvas. The watch Sick Around the World (链接到外部网站。)链接到外部网站。, a one hour documentary that explores the healthcare systems in Great Britain, Japan, Germany, Switzerland, and Taiwan. (Taiwan is particularly interesting because when they decided to create a national system, they studied the economics of healthcare systems in many countries in order to pick out elements of what they thought were best. Note, that they did not study the U.S. system because it was too inefficient and too costly.)

Which one do you like? Why?

Discuss with you classmates the strengths and weaknesses of each system. What you do you like about them and what do you see as problems?

What do you think of the economics of the systems? In each of these nations, the government plays a much larger role in healthcare than in the U.S., where the forces of supply and demand still dominate.

In Part 2 of this discussion in a couple of weeks, we will look at Obamacare and Trumpcare.

Remember, this is a discussion, not an essay. I want you to learn about the economics of healthcare by talking about how you are affected or would be affected in different systems.

I’ll be giving you some of my experiences both in the U.S. and in different countries. Let’s hear yours too.