A third system offers governmentally subsidized health insurance but
allows individuals to purchase different amounts of insurance and to acquire
care through the market from private providers independently of the insurance
system. Private insurance companies offer varied insurance policies for
different persons, depending in part on their desire and ability to pay. In this
case not only does choice enter into the decision regarding the type of
provider that best suits the individual, it can also affect the quality of care.
Those with more wealth can afford to purchase more, better, or at least
more expensive care.