Why are changes made to the healthcare system?
Partly due to population ageing and progress in medical technology, the cost of healthcare is increasing considerably. Employers are also confronted with additional costs. These include, for instance, the waiting-list problem, which means that the reintegration of sick employees takes longer than necessary. With the introduction of the Health Insurance Act [Zorgverzekeringswet ] the government is withdrawing further and is attempting to limit cost increases by stimulating market forces, as a result of which not only the quality of healthcare but also the cost of healthcare will improve. A brief overview of the Health Insurance Act Pool of insured As of 1 January 2006, a new healthcare system came into effect. This health care system replaced the former health insurance funds, private health insurance and the public sector health insurance plan for civil servants. All residents of the Netherlands (everyone who is insured under the Exceptional Medical Expenses Act (AWBZ ), in other words
