Final answer:
In the Dutch healthcare system, premium differences reflect the income level of the insured. This facilitates equity in healthcare contributions, with higher-income individuals paying more. So, correct option is (b).
Step-by-step explanation:
In the Dutch system, premium differences are supposed to indicate the income level of the insured. Health insurance premiums in the Netherlands are income-dependent, which is why they are reflective of different income levels. This creates a system where those with higher incomes contribute more to the healthcare system than those with lower incomes, promoting equity in healthcare financing and access.
Countries like the Netherlands have health insurance systems that aim for lower costs and more equal access. However, they do face challenges providing rapid access to the most up-to-date medical care, which is a common issue when attempting to balance healthcare quality, access, and cost.
To manage potential issues like adverse selection, where individuals with knowledge of their higher risk levels may opt more for insurance than those with lower risks, different healthcare systems use various financing arrangements such as fee-for-service and health maintenance organizations (HMOs). HMOs pay providers based on the number of patients rather than services performed, seeking to improve efficiency.