German unification and European integration

In the Winter 1990 issue of the Bulletin, Health/PAC published a report by Dr. Deppe and Dr. Winfred Beck comparing the health care systems of the two Germanies. In this article, Dr. Deppe extends that analysis to compare these systems with those of other Western European countries and to examine the lessons the absorption of Germany's socialist system into its capitalist neighbor may have for the integration of the European Community. Readers will note that what we commonly refer to as a health care system and its insurance and institutions is here termed a "sickness" system--a description used by European progressives to indicate that the health care system emphasizes care for people when they are sick rather than preventive care that would help them stay healthy.