Health Care and Income - Comparative Analysis

Reading the BBC News article “Healthcare around the World” made me curious about the possible shared cost profiles relative to the United States for the listed countries’ versions of Universal Healthcare. I made some simple assumptions based upon the noted per capita expenditures for each of the four countries to split costs between the Private Sector (non-government Employers providing coverage) and individual employees. In the event that the individual does not have employer provided coverage, the cost of care would be subsidized.

Analysis based upon these assumptions reveal that individuals around the world still bear the larger burden of cost at rates relatively close to U.S. employees (exception: Singapore). And, the Private Sector (non-government Business / Employers) stands to benefit about $3,000 per employee from reductions in healthcare costs in alignment with the compared nations.

Healthcare and 2008 Per Capita Income (Slides)

Further analysis using the calculated cost sharing and applied against per capita mean income provides some insight into the struggles of most American families. Some general points to keep in mind while reviewing the comparison include:

• Mean Income represents Gross Income before taxes;

• The basis of earnings analysis is MEAN INCOME, no adjustments for geographical locations or earnings distribution [Median income less than average];

• No adjustment for population concentrations in higher cost of living locations [Asian, Pacific Islanders on West Coast];
• BBC News reported per capita healthcare expenditure was used with Private Sector covering 52.8% and individuals responsible for the remainder at 47.2%;
• Healthcare adjusted income comparison reflects a male and female household within a given ethnicity;
• Analysis population = People 15 years old and over beginning with March 1980;
• Majority of Hispanics and Blacks in the analysis are High School Graduates or in High School (education opportunity):

The Gender, Per Capita Mean Income graphic analysis was created to reflect the limits of the Segmented Assimilation argument which maintains the distribution status quo. Make of it what you will! But, it should be viewed in context with my previous posts: Judgments, Gatekeepers, Self-Identity Recognition, and Integrative Social and Economic Systems.

Healthcare Around the World

BBC News August 19, 2009 article on Healthcare comparisons of expenditure.