Comparative Analysis of Healthcare Policies: Australia vs. USA

This report provides a comparative analysis of healthcare policies in Australia and the United States. It highlights the key differences between the two countries, particularly in their approaches to universal healthcare, affordability, and equity. Australia's system, supported by Medibank, is contrasted with the USA's system, which relies on Medicare and Medicaid. The report explores how these differing policies impact access to healthcare and the health outcomes of their respective populations, including the challenges faced by Indigenous Australians and the uninsured in America. The report also references relevant literature to support its findings, offering a comprehensive overview of the strengths and weaknesses of each system.

Running head: ADVOCACY AND POLITICS IN NURSING 1
ADVOCACY AND POLITICS IN NURSING
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ADVOCACY AND POLITICS IN NURSING
Healthcare policies differ across countries. Notably, the healthcare policy of a country
informs the exiting healthcare system. Australia and the United States of America have been
ranked by the World Health Organization among the best countries in terms of health policies
(WHO, 2019). Differences exist between Australia’s and USA’s healthcare policies and
outcomes.
Notably, concerning the promotion of social justice and improving access, Australia has a
universal healthcare policy supported by Medibank. Besides, the Country’s healthcare system is
meant to cater for health needs of all Australians and permanent residents (Harris, 2012). On the
other hand, America lacks a universal healthcare policy. Instead, it has Medicaid and Medicare
health programs that cater to the health needs of people of low incomes and the elderly
respectively (Jones, Seoane, Deichmann & Kantrow, 2011).
Additionally, regarding affordability and equity, the focus of the two countries healthcare
policies differ. Australia’s focus on the affordability of healthcare is remarkable. Generally, the
country’s healthcare system is outstanding based on the fact that it covers all Australians and
permanent Australian residents irrespective of whether they can pay or not. On the other hand,
the system’s focus on equity is inadequate. This has been witnessed mainly because of the poor
health status of the Indigenous Australians (Duckett, 2017).On the other hand, the lack of a
universal healthcare system has left most of the American’s underinsured or uninsured(Christ,
2017).

AVOCACY AND POLITICS IN NURSING 3
References
Christ, S. (2017). Advantages & Disadvantages of American Health Care. Retrieved from
https://pocketsense.com/advantages-disadvantages-of-american-health-care-12271358.html
Duckett, S. (2017). Australia’s health system is enviable, but there's room for improvement. Retrieved
from https://theconversation.com/australias-health-system-is-enviable-but-theres-room-for-
improvement-81332
Harris, M. F. (2012). Who gets the care in Medicare?. Medical Journal of Australia, 197(11-12), 598-
599.
Jones, P. D., Seoane, L., Deichmann, R., & Kantrow, C. (2011). Differences and similarities in the
practice of medicine between Australia and the United States of America: challenges and
opportunities for The University of Queensland and the Ochsner Clinical School. Ochsner
Journal, 11(3), 253-258.
WHO. (2019). WHO | World Health Organization Assesses the World's Health Systems. Retrieved from
https://www.who.int/whr/2000/media_centre/press_release/en/