Healthcare Systems-USA vs Australia

HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS-USA VS AUSTRALIA
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HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS-USA VS AUSTRALIA
Various countries have established health systems to meet the specific healthcare needs
of targeted populations. A healthcare system is, therefore, an organization of institutions, people
and resources to meet the needs of different populations. In most cases, the targeted populations
are people of low economic status and the elderly. According to WHO rankings, the USA and
Australian healthcare systems are among the top 50 in the world (WHO, 2019). There are
differences between the Australian and American healthcare systems.
The key differences between the two countries
Notably, the healthcare systems of the two countries are quite different. The Australian
healthcare system is supported by Medibank, a national health insurer with a membership of over
3.8 million people. The universal health insurance system was implemented in 1984 to provide
medical treatment in public hospitals and subsidize community care through the provision of
clinical investigations and medical consultations. Besides, the majority of metropolitan areas
representing over 40 percent of the population hold private health insurance. However, users of
private health insurance have the choice of using a shorter wait period for healthcare procedures.
In addition, they also have the option of choosing their doctor or using a private hospital for
procedures (Jones, Seoane, Deichmann & Kantrow, 2011). Additionally, the country has a
universal healthcare system known as Medicare which funds primary healthcare for permanent
residents and citizens (Harris, 2012).
On the other hand, American healthcare is composed of a wide range of healthcare
systems varying from different states. The country is majorly supported by Medicare and
Medicaid programs established by the government in 1965. The two programs were developed to
provide healthcare to citizens of age 65 and people of lower incomes. The expansion of Medicaid