Single-payer health care

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Single-payer health care

Single-payer health care (pronunciation: /ˈsɪŋɡəl ˈpeɪər ˈhɛlθ keər/) is a type of health care system where the government, rather than private insurers, pays for all health care costs. The term "single-payer" describes the funding mechanism, referring to health care financed by a single public body from a single fund.

Etymology

The term "single-payer" originates from the concept that only a single entity (the government) "pays" the costs for health care services, as opposed to multiple insurers.

Related Terms

Overview

Single-payer systems may contract for healthcare services from private organizations (as is the case in Canada) or may own and employ healthcare resources and personnel (as is the case in the United Kingdom). "Single-payer" describes the mechanism by which healthcare is paid for by a single public authority, not the type of delivery or for whom physicians work, which are common misconceptions.

In a single-payer system, the government typically owns and operates health care facilities and providers of care such as doctors are often government employees, although some systems allow private providers to deliver publicly-funded care.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of single-payer health care systems include, but are not limited to, increased access to health care services, improved health outcomes, and reduced health disparities. Disadvantages may include longer wait times for certain procedures, potential for reduced innovation, and potential for less choice and control for patients over their healthcare.

Examples

Examples of countries with single-payer healthcare systems include the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) and Canada's provincially administered Medicare system.

External links

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