HMOs, PPOs, EPOs, and POS plans all have provider networks. This network includes doctors, hospitals, labs and other providers that either have a contract with the health plan or, in some cases, are employed by the health plan. Plans differ as to whether you'll have coverage for health care services from providers who arenât in their network.
The first oil shock in the early 1970s pushed up oil prices and significantly increased imported fuel costs. Since Japan's economy depends heavily on imported fuel, this development slowed economic growth. In 1974, the economy contracted by about 1.2 percent of total GDP.
Japan is far from alone here. The U.N. has estimated that a total of 48 countries will see their population decline by 2050. Moldova is expected to lose more than half its population by 2100, the worst decline of anywhere in the world. But Moldova is tiny. Japan is the third largest economy in the world. It's a crucial trading partner for the United States and China. How exactly will its declining population affect the wider world?