Limiting Solidarity in the Netherlands: A Two-Tier System on the Way

Health care policy in the Netherlands has long been guided by the values of solidarity and equality. As a result of several forces, particularly the scarcity of resources, the retreat of the Welfare State and the introduction of market forces in health care, both values are increasingly under strain. Next to solidarity and equality, freedom of choice and financial responsibility are playing an important role in Dutch health care. Consequently, there is a growing division in Dutch heaith care between two tiers, one basic tier giving access to a basic package of services and a luxury tier giving... Mehr ...