Waarom betalen voor kosten die je zelf niet maakt? Solidariteit in het zorgstelsel

Abstract

Existing studies on solidarity focus predominantly on the degree of solidarity in general. The primary purpose of this study is to determine how solidary the Dutch society is with the elderly despite increasing healthcare costs. The costs of healthcare increased to such an extent that it is possible that people believe the elderly should contribute more to healthcare in comparison with younger people. This study is as well concerned with the effects of personal health, age, gender and income on the degree of solidarity. Data for this study were collected through an online questionnaire among 136 Dutch citizens in the age of 18-65. The results show that Dutch citizens are reasonably solidary. On a scale from 1 to 6 the average score is 4.27 and there are differences found between young and old, as well between unhealthy and healthy people. Old people are more solidary than younger people and unhealthy people are more solidary than healthy people. Additionally, the results show that the degree of solidarity can be an indicative for whether society wants elderly to contribute more or not. Fortunately for the elderly, the Dutch are solidary and therefore it can be concluded that Dutch people don’t want older people to contribute more.