Some doctors support the idea of a single-payer health system in the U.S.
Many countries offer a "single-payer health plan" in a system that works for them. Naturally, this issue often comes up in the U.S. health care debate, with some people advocating for a U.S. single-payer system and others adamantly opposed. Forming your own opinion on the issue requires an understanding of what the system is and isn't.
How It Works
In the current health care model in the U.S., many buyers -- including the government, companies and individuals -- are able to choose from a variety of health care and insurance providers. A single-payer system, in contrast, has just one payer -- an organization within the government. Companies and individuals would pay premiums in the form of a tax to this organization and the organization in turn pays the health care providers. The term involves the way a country would finance a universal health care plan for all its citizens, though it also describes America's Medicare system, which is a single-payer health plan for certain people.
Single-Payer Health Plans Abroad
Many countries, including Australia, England, Canada and Japan, have single-payer systems, though the details vary. For example, in England, the National Health Service manages the health care off all its citizens -- the doctors work directly for the government. In Canada, the Medicare system works with private companies to provide services rather than a government-run medical system.
Advantages
Proponents, such as the Physicians for a National Health Program, argue that a single-payer system reduces the amount of paperwork involved in billing for services and would thus reduce the cost of health care for 90 to 95 percent of individuals and companies that purchase insurance. If connected to a universal health care plan, it would provide health coverage for the millions of Americans who lack it.
Disadvantages
All countries that have single-payer health plans have seen some disadvantages to the system. Though treatment is available, there are often long waiting lists for certain non-life-threatening procedures. You may also have fewer choices in the doctors or specialists that you see. There is also a feeling that single-payer health plans go against the spirit of the free market.
Tags: health care, single-payer health, single-payer system, care plan, have single-payer, health care plan
