Heath insurance: USA vs Nepal

Health of the people in a nation is a very sensitive issue. Unfortunately in a country like Nepal where many people do not have enough to eat or afford a place to live, people here usually do not even dream about health insurance. Many people die young, even the crown prince of Nepal had his heart attack at the age of 36.

Good news is that cost of health care is still not very expensive in Nepal unlike USA. But for those who suffer grave illnesses, it can still be a difficult issue. People now need to think about health insurance in Nepal, this blog is to encourage this thought. Let's learn from what's happening in USA. It is one of the most prosperous countries in the world but USA also has many issues regarding health care, it is trying hard to fight the problem which not easy. Walmart is one company from which Nepali organizations can learn about providing health insurance to their employees and hence contribute to the well being of the people of Nepal.


Wal-Mart overhauls employee health plan. The New York Times (9/19, C1, Barbaro) reports, "Wal-Mart, long criticized for its health care coverage, unveiled a broad plan yesterday that is intended to cut employee costs, expand coverage and offer workers thousands of cheap prescription drugs." As of January 1, Wal-Mart will "give each employee or family that signs up for coverage a grant of $100 to $500 to defray health expenses while charging premiums as low as $5 a month." The company "will eliminate expensive hospital deductibles and make 2,400 generic drugs available to employees for $4 a prescription -- about 1,000 more than it sells to customers at that price."

The Wall Street Journal (9/19, A4, Hudson) adds, "Wal-Mart's slightly more than one million U.S. employees eligible for coverage can choose beginning Saturday from plans ranging from an $8 monthly premium and $2,000 deductible for those who anticipate needing only minimal medical care to a premium of $94.11 and deductible of $350 for those needing more. The premiums are lower in some locations."

The Washington Post /AP (9/19, D2, Kabel) notes, "Since late 2005, Wal-Mart has shortened the waiting period to become eligible for insurance, allowed part-time workers to insure their children, and lowered premiums and co-pays for prescription drugs."

In Nepal who can take care of the health insurance of the people, obviously not the government and probably not the private companies. May be the churches can contribute a little, but churches in Nepal are still very young and not well off financially. Most of tehm depend on financial support from other loving Christians from around the world. If the churches can become a strong body, then it can happen one day. Well, we need lots of prayers.

The UPI (9/21) reports, "A U.S. survey of churches found 70 percent seek to minister to their communities by providing healthcare services." According to a survey conducted by the National Council of Churches USA, with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, "65 percent are providing health education and 35 percent are advocating on behalf of healthcare public policy issues." The investigators noted "an average of 13.07 health-related activities per congregation" among the 6,037 respondents.