Final answer:
Switzerland's transition to LAMal in 1994 was influenced by historical precedents and the desire to overcome the challenges of employment-linked health insurance. LAMal's universality and non-profit nature led to wider societal support as it provided continuous coverage and included pre-existing conditions, contributing to a more stable and inclusive healthcare system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Swiss willingness to switch to a universal health insurance system known as LAMal in 1994 was driven by the recognition of the limitations of linking health insurance to employment. Before LAMal, losing a job meant losing health coverage, a risky scenario for individuals.
Learning from historical examples in Germany, France, Britain, and later, the U.S., Swiss citizens understood the value of mandatory insurance in preventing what is known as adverse selection, where only those with high health risks seek insurance. Post the introduction of LAMal, insurers could no longer make a profit from basic insurance plans, ensuring that health insurance coverage was a right for every citizen rather than a privilege linked to employment.
Over time, people have become more supportive of LAMal because it guarantees continuous coverage regardless of one’s job situation and includes pre-existing conditions, creating a more inclusive and stable healthcare system. Moreover, it mitigates the issue of skyrocketing healthcare costs for the uninsured and underinsured. LAMal reflects a societal preference for solidarity in healthcare, ensuring that everyone contributes to and benefits from the health system, leading to greater general support for the system as it matures and demonstrates effectiveness.