Final answer:
The correct answer to the student's question is that 80% of Japan's hospitals are privately owned. Japan's universal health care system is a mixture of public and private institutions, providing a contrast to the more private-sector-driven model of the United States.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question pertains to Japan's system of universal health care, specifically the percentage of hospitals that are privately owned. The correct answer to the question is that 80% of Japan's hospitals are privately owned. Health care for the poor, meanwhile, is paid for through government funds. In contrast to Japan's mixed system, the United States operates a health care system with a larger private sector role, where most hospitals are non-profit and many people receive insurance through their employer. However, certain groups such as the elderly or the poor receive government-funded health insurance through programs like Medicare and Medicaid, respectively.
Despite the differences, both Japan and the United States strive to provide high-quality care, though they face challenges such as controlling costs and ensuring universal access. Japan's blend of public and private health care, with its universal coverage, contrasts with the U.S. model and exemplifies the diversity of health care systems around the world.