Health care expenditures and outcomes in the United States and Japan: you don't always get what you pay for

Abstract

For the first time in decades, life-expectancy in the United States declined, while U.S. per capita health expenditures hit an all-time high - more than 2.5 times the average for all other countries. In contrast, Japan spends far less per capita on health care, yet has the highest life expectancy of developed countries. This thesis explores correlations between health care financing and population health outcomes in the U.S. and Japan. Research included an extensive literature review and analysis. Lessons from Japan’s health care system could inform U.S. health reform initiatives such as investing in and expanding primary and preventive services. As Americans shoulder more health costs through co-pays, deductibles, and cost sharing, more transparency and education about the cost of care could affect individual decisions about accessing health services.