Erin Lyman, Comparative Analysis of the Regulatory Frameworks Governing Health Insurers in the United States and the Netherlands, 43 Wis. Int'l LJ 127 (2026).
Health is fundamental to human existence yet uniquely
experienced by each individual. When bad, it can dominate one's life;
when good, it still has daily effects. Regardless of health status, most
individuals rely on health insurance to offset medical costs. However,
consumers in the healthcare industry who rely on health insurance lack
autonomy over their own care because insurers often dictate which
providers and treatments are covered, how much care costs, and what
services are deemed necessary.
In both the United States and the Netherlands, the government
plays a key role in regulating health insurance and enforcing antitrust laws
that shape competition in the healthcare sector. Both countries have
developed distinct legal and regulatory frameworks, and their approaches
yield different outcomes for patients particularly regarding costs, access
to care, and health outcomes.
The Netherlands employs a universal yet competitive health
insurance system, balancing accessibility with market driven principles.
In contrast, the US' patient centered model emphasizes individual choice
but often at significant financial expense to patients. This Comment
examines the competitive structures of both systems, evaluating their
impact on consumers. It then proposes a new framework for health
insurance in the US, aiming to provide consumers with affordable access
to quality care while maintaining competition
