Single-payer

Single-payer healthcare is a type of universal healthcare in which the costs of essential healthcare for all residents are covered by a single public system (hence 'single-payer').

Definition

Single-payer healthcare is a healthcare system in which the state, financed by taxes, covers basic healthcare costs for all residents regardless of income, occupation, or health status. 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 may be public, private, or a mix.

Around the world

In developed countries, single-payer healthcare usually comes from tax revenue rather than insurance premiums. Some countries rely heavily on mandatory health insurance to achieve universal healthcare, such as the Netherlands, but insurance premiums are usually supplemented with taxes to cover those unable to afford insurance.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of single-payer healthcare for a country's residents include its cost-effectiveness and efficiency, the provision of a service to all who need it, and the reduction in administrative costs compared to private insurance. Disadvantages may include longer wait times for elective procedures and a potential lack of choice in doctors or treatments.

See also

• Universal healthcare
• Healthcare reform
• Publicly funded health care
• Healthcare in Canada
• Healthcare in the United Kingdom

Single-payer Resources
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