RESUMO
"This paper reviews the performance of French health care system from an economic viewpoint. It also provides some policy recommendations. The health system in France is regarded as delivering high quality services, with freedom of choice and generally no waiting lists for treatments. Access to medical services is equal among the population and, unlike in some other countries, people can get the treatments they need irrespective of their social status or work situation. As this paper points out, however, this high quality comes at a price: health expenditure in relation to GDP (Gross Domestic Products)is among the highest in the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) and risks increasing further in the future in the absence of adequate measures. This paper argues that the renewed reform effort should provide microeconomic incentives to alter both the consumption and prescription behavior. A package of measures tailored to the particular institutional and social characteristics of the French system is proposed, which would reign in costs while preserving the main strengths of the system-quality of care, freedom of choice, and equity of access."(Au)
