Israel--a health system in transition

Israeli health reform, implemented after many failed attempts throughout the years, represents an attempt to solve problems of politicization, dissatisfaction, unclear roles of government and public organizations, and lack of financial accountability, while maintaining a high quality and universally accessible health system. Despite many favorable aspects, including high quality medical care, near universal insurance coverage, and high availability of services, the health system has attracted criticism since its earliest days. Israel's experience with health reform, based on a version of managed competition, is of interest to other countries considering similar policy decisions.