How Do the Different Types of Healthcare Systems Compare?
Single Payer Health Insurance vs. Universal Healthcare vs. Socialized Medicine
Healthcare reform in the United States has been a talking point for decades, particularly as hospital and prescription drug expenses increase. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation regarding single payer health care, universal healthcare and socialized healthcare. Oftentimes, these terms are used interchangeably in spite of the fact that they have some major differences. Understanding what each system is and just as importantly, what each system is not, is important for keeping up with the ongoing debate.
Single Payer Health Insurance
Unfortunately, for many, health insurance is a significant cost burden. Even those who have access to an employer-sponsored plan may have a hard time affording their monthly premium. The cost of healthcare is continuing to climb, and there is a lot of talk about what can be done to keep costs affordable for the average American. As the U.S. government works to find a solution to the country’s healthcare problem, one of the phrases that have been tossed around a lot is “single-payer health care system.”
With a single payer system, there is one entity that collects all healthcare fees and pays for all healthcare costs. Rather than multiple competing health insurance companies, there is one public or quasi-public agency that finances healthcare for everyone in the system. Essentially, everyone would have the same health insurance plan from the same health insurance company. In countries with single payer health insurance, citizens have access to all necessary medical care, including vision care, dental care, doctors and prescription drugs and are able to choose where to receive care. This system is similar to our current Medicare system.
The primary benefit of single payer health insurance is that it is associated with significantly fewer administrative costs. Because fewer entities are involved, overall expenses and wasteful spending are easier to control. Currently, there are 17 countries with single payer health insurance, including Japan, the United Kingdom, Finland, Spain and Iceland.
Is a Single-Payer System the Same as Socialized Medicine?
With socialized medicine, the government owns the hospitals, purchases the technology, such as MRI scanners and X-ray machines, and employs doctors, nurses and specialists. This system is used around the world with varying degrees of success.
Single-payer health care, however, is not the same thing as socialized medicine. While there is one payer in charge of purchasing a majority of the medical care, that payer does not own the technology or the hospitals, and it does not employ the medical care providers. In addition to this, the payer is not necessarily the federal government; in theory, it could be the state or even a health insurance company that managed to secure 100 percent of the market share.
Medicare is an Example
Medicare is an example of a mostly single-payer health care system that we currently have in place. Medicare beneficiaries have private insurers to choose from, but the government is the main purchaser.
Finding Affordable Healthcare Coverage with Nevada Insurance Enrollment
A single hospital stay can end up costing tens of thousands of dollars, and even routine care can be very costly. Few people are in a position to handle a medical emergency without seriously jeopardizing their financial outlook. Finding affordable health insurance coverage can be a challenge, but at Nevada Insurance Enrollment, our health insurance agents specialize in helping people with nearly any budget find good health insurance coverage. Reach out to us today to talk about your options.
Recent Posts
Why You Should Always Use an Insurance Agent
Insurance agents are licensed professionals who specialize in connecting people with the insurance policies that are right for them. They help the customers understand their coverage by studying all the insurance company’s policies and procedures.
What is a Major Medical Health Insurance Plan?
A major medical health insurance plan is a comprehensive medical plan that can help you pay for doctor’s visits, hospitalization, and prescription drugs if you should become sick or injured.
Stating Your Income For Health Insurance Subsidy
When you claim you make a certain amount of money in a year (and receive a subsidy), you must try to be as accurate as possible and notify them of any changes that may occur throughout the year. Be honest in stating your income. There are very serious consequences to playing games with your income.
Search This Website
Most Popular Pages
By page visits (this month)
#1) Health Insurance Subsidy Chart
#2) Health Insurance
#3) Health Insurance WITH a Subsidy
#4) Insurance Blog
#5) Request a Quote
Top 5 Most Popular
By page visits (this month)
#1) Health Insurance Subsidy Chart
#2) Health Insurance
#3) Health Insurance WITH a Subsidy
#4) Insurance Blog Posts
#5) Request a Quote
Recent Posts
Saving Money on Health Insurance With Negotiated Pricing
The majority of health insurance companies have a contract with a network of hospitals and other providers. In this contract, there are negotiated rates for different services. This negotiated rate is generally lower and sometimes significantly lower than what a provider would charge someone who is paying out of pocket.
Filing An Appeal To A Health Insurance Company
If your health insurance company refuses to cover a claim, you have the right to appeal the decision and have it reviewed by a third party. Your policy should outline how to appeal a denial.
What Does Guaranteed Issue Health Insurance Mean?
Guaranteed issue means that the health insurance coverage is guaranteed to be issued to applicants, regardless of their medical history, their age, their gender, or any other factors that might increase their likelihood of using health services.
Get The Most From Your Health Insurance Plan
Today’s Health Insurance plans may offer benefits above and beyond just doctors and hospitals, such as free preventive services, fitness programs, teledoc/telehealth, and so much more!