Abstract
The health care system in Yugoslavia is based on the principles of reciprocity and solidarity, as regulated by constitutional provisions which guarantee medical care and use of health services as the basic right of all citizens. Medical care is organized on the basis of needs and resources of the society. Its funds are generated through individual contributions of citizens and sociopolitical, working, and other organizations which are accumulated into social insurance funds, for reimbursement of health institutions for the services they provide. Coordination among health institutions, associations of social insurance, and sociopolitical and other concerned organizations is regulated by law. Insured persons within their associations decide on the extent of medical care to which to subscribe and on all rights emanating from the insurance. There are several reimbursement mechanisms such as fee–for–service, capitation, and daily charges. Insured persons through their associations influence the administration of social insurance by means of specifying priorities in terms of certain needs and by deciding on specific contracts with health institutions. The emphasis in contract arrangements is placed on preventive services, home care services, and dispensary care, for which health institutions proportionally receive more money than for hospital services. This arrangement influences the pattern of organization of health institutions and health workers. The new type of institutions that are more and more dominant are integrated health services, so–called medical centers, which provide both preventive and curative services for the population they cover.
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