Patients in the Netherlands will likely see an increase in the amount of money they pay out of pocket for their health care in 2013. The compulsory deductible, a feature of the Dutch health insurance system for acute care since 2008, is much like a deductible in the United States. Currently, the compulsory deductible is set at €220 (up from €150 in 2008), meaning that patients pay the first €220 of their medical bills, excluding the costs of primary care, obstetric and maternity care, and dental care for those under the age of 19. However, parliament has pushed forward with legislation that will increase this amount to €350, a measure that is aimed at cutting the country's budget deficit.
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