Should the US switch to single-payer healthcare?

Providing healthcare to its citizens is the moral responsibility of a government. But the governments, especially in countries with large populations, are ill-equipped to provide healthcare facilities by themselves. This is where the private sector steps in and offers healthcare facilities through insurance programmes. The traditional approach is a mix of government-funded programmes for targeted segments such as senior citizens and people with disabilities, while the private sector offers health coverage to the remaining population who can afford it. 

Switching to Universal Healthcare

Successive US governments have been trying to switch to a universal healthcare programme. Universal healthcare means providing all citizens with health coverage. The Obama administration tried to take an essential step towards this with the Obamacare programme. Under the new Biden administration, ‘medicare for all’ has once again become a talking point. The Government is already mulling over providing universal healthcare to all citizens through a single-payer healthcare system. 

Why Single-Payer Healthcare? 

Single-payer healthcare is among the several pathways leading to universal healthcare. Multiple-payer healthcare involves private insurers as stakeholders. Another option of a tiered-healthcare system allows governments to employ private insurers as intermediaries for healthcare coverage. In a single-payer system, the government accepts the sole responsibility of providing primary healthcare for all its citizens.  These are some benefits of single-payer healthcare.

Coverage for all: According to studies, 1 in 3 Americans aged 27-36 years admitted they couldn't afford health coverage. Single-payer healthcare ensures that all people under a state’s jurisdiction get health coverage.

Healthier population: Coverage for citizens means access to timely healthcare. This move paves the road for a healthier nation. A healthier nation is a happier nation. 

One set of rules: Single-payer healthcare eliminates overlapping rules and regulations. It offers one set of rules that apply to all. A uniform rate list is circulated to all participating organisations. 

The single-payer healthcare system is a tried and tested way of providing universal health care. However, the government requires deliberating on the huge financial burden involved and ensuring that it does not lead to an unprecedented hike in taxes to offset the costs. The government would also need a robust mechanism to implement and monitor its healthcare coverage.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What is single-payer healthcare?

Single-payer healthcare is a means to achieve universal healthcare. Under this system, the government insures the health of its citizens. It directly makes the reimbursements to the organisations enrolled in its programme. 

2. Which countries follow a single-payer medicare system?

The United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, the UAE, Sweden, and Italy are among the countries that provide single-payer medicare for their citizens. 

3. Is universal healthcare different from single-payer healthcare?

Universal health care is the end goal of single-payer healthcare. The approach is to offer medicare for all. Universal healthcare can also be achieved through the existing multiple-payer system and a tiered-healthcare system. 

4. Who reimburses the medical bills in a single-payer system?

The government reimburses all medical bills in this system. It uses tax revenues and collections from charities to fund the healthcare system. 

5. Is there any room for private health insurance in medicare for all?

There is no room for private health insurance companies in medicare for all. The government uses its finances to fund all healthcare services covered by it.