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Money rather than quality impetus to competition

In 2011 8% of the Dutch population switched health care insurer. This is the highest rate ever since in 2006 the Health Insurance Act was introduced and 20% of the population changed health care insurer. Especially young people change. Premium is by far the most important reason to change. In the new health care system money rather than quality appears to be the impetus to competition. This is the result of a study regarding the motives for changing health care insurer, published in Eurohealth by NIVEL researchers.

28-06-2012
Green space - the key to health

 People living in relatively green environments feel healthier. A current study now confirms they actually are healthier. More green space in living environments results in fewer visits to the doctor with complaints such as depression, diabetes, COPD and dizziness. Benefits are especially pronounced among people from lower socio-economic bands, children and the elderly, according to researcher Jolanda Maas. Maas will be presenting her doctoral thesis on research into ‘Vitamin G’ and the health benefits of green space on February 20th at the Utrecht University in the Netherlands.

04-02-2009