Innovation in European healthcare – what can Sweden learn? - LIF

The Dutch Healthcare System –
managed competition at the center
• A major health care reform in 2006 (Health Insurance Act - Zvw) abolished the
distinction between mandatory sickness fund insurance and voluntary private
insurance and introduced a single compulsory insurance scheme for curative
care, in which multiple private health insurers compete for insured persons
• As a central regulatory mechanism the reform introduced managed competition
among actors in health care
• The government changed its role from direct control of volumes, prices and
productive capacity of the system to safeguarding the system
– The government controls the quality, accessibility and affordability of health care
Health insurers can negotiate to a certain extent with health care providers on price,
volume and quality of care
• Patients are free to choose their health insurer as well as providers
• Insured persons can change health insurer once a year
• The government provides information on waiting lists, quality and prices of care
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