Through out the world today health care is a major issue in just about every country. Britain and France are no exception to this rule. Since a very long time ago there have been long standing battles between the people and governments as to how far the governments must go to provide adequate health care for its people. For the upper and middle classes health care usually comes with no problem but for the lower classes they are forced to depend on government assistance.
In France health policy making takes place largely at the national level. These actions revolve completely around two agencies called the social security and the finance. I found that international health care can be very different but at the same time very similar to the United States and in the following paragraphs you will see why. .
French citizens have had comprehensive health coverage for many years, and France can be looked upon as an example of an active system. The French healthcare system is based on free enterprise and the freedom for patients to choose their own doctors. Securité sociale, the compulsory health insurance plan in France, finances or reimburses the health care of almost all French citizens. Taxes are deducted from workers' paychecks and, after medical visits or pharmaceutical purchases, the government reimburses recipients anywhere from 60 to 100 percent of their medical expenses. Complementary coverage is also available for an extra charge. Most doctors (about 99 percent) sign an agreement with securité sociale setting the rates of their services, but some doctors may charge higher fees. #.
Health care is accessible and affordable for French citizens, but is more costly for the government. As in the United States, the social security system faces a constantly increasing deficit, resulting in a quest for new ways to fund medical care. Currently, French health care policy is looking for a reform mechanism that will create a more affordable system without losing the ideals of free enterprise, freedom of patient choice and a quality system accessible to all French citizens.