Can the Single-Payer System Ensure Healthcare for All?
America has always had its share of the problem when it comes to providing healthcare coverage. It seems like double standards are a norm of the age where drugs advertised on TV are not covered by your insurance.
The health coverage that we pay comes with lofty deductibles and towering premiums. America invests a huge amount of money per capita but delivers the poorest distribution of healthcare across socioeconomic boundaries.
In 2016, the USA spent $3.3 trillion, which means the expense for each person is around $10,348. The amount is far more than any other country and makes 17.9% of the GDP.
Nevertheless, the quality of healthcare is far worse than you can image- a study ranked USA 50 out of 55 countries in 2016!
Nevertheless, the government seems bent on wasting more money on ineffective policies; tax imposes, and mandates that don’t really achieve anything!
People don’t care who is covering their healthcare costs, as long as they are able to get access to the right treatment based on the suggestions of their doctor. The consumers care about who and how they are treated, and any insurance company cannot take the decision.
However, that is what we are ending with time and again! The forceful nature of Obamacare was not the end with the new single-payer system at our face.
Many people think it will change the healthcare system and ensure coverage for all. Even so, there are so many nuances that it remains far from being a practical solution.
What is Single-Payer System?
Single-payer or Medicare for all is a universal healthcare system sponsored by the government. There is only one payer- the government and hence the name.
The single-payer system eliminates any individual insurance companies from the field through the service is offered through private medical institutes. The coverage provides expenses for “essential” healthcare for all residents and is funded by the citizens via tax or other funds.
Medicaid and traditional Medicare in the USA fall under the single-payer system. Some countries in the world have adopted a system like Canada where each province has the responsibility to cover the payments of hospitals and doctors.
The idea sounds very nice, but what does it translate to?
Can Healthcare be a Right?
You may have heard some people saying that healthcare is a right. Nevertheless, if it is indeed a right, then there are many things we have to consider- the individual opinions on calls like a person wanted to stay and live healthily.
It is beyond doubt that health itself is a right which everyone should have but healthcare cannot to a right because one cannot claim a right at the expense of his fellow citizens. Healthcare is indeed a mission and privilege.
We also shouldn’t be forcing anyone to take up something that they don’t need or don’t want by the name of healthcare.
The Quality of Treatment under Single-Payer System
The single-payer system doesn’t take into account the individual health requirements and patient needs at the same time. The system doesn’t guarantee any efficiency or standard of care. With the whole medical arena moving into patient-centric care, it is indeed a concern!
Healthcare must accommodate personal needs and rise above the population-based model to serve the requirements of the minority.
Can Single-Payer cover all Costs?
The USA will need to spend $32 trillion over 10 years to transform into a single-payer system. Can we really afford that much?
In a bid to introduce a single-payer system we may end up compromising on our health. Would we doctors have to convince our patients that we cannot prescribe a drug because it’s too costly and not covered under the system?
We need strict government control and regulation of drug prices if we ever want to see a single-payer system succeed. There can be no intervention by lobbyists or any profit-seeking party.
Without proper checks and regulations in place, the issue of socialized medicine will only lead to chaos in a country where the legislative system is based on open market and consumerism.
What if we really go for Socialized Medicine?
Let’s consider this-
We implement socialized medicine with proper legislation and regulations. But does it change anything?
The USA can end up with the same problems that countries with a long history of single-payer system encounter like the UK. The problem of drug overprices and non-inclusion in the coverage will still be a problem. We will at the same time be disregarding individual needs and expectations providing minimum coverage but not healthcare for all.
Single-Payer System and Long Wait Times
Healthcare information is on the tip of today’s consumer's thanks to the Internet and the media. They know what they need and how they want it to be delivered.
In such a scenario, a single-payer robs them of the choices. It can also overburden the system causing a delay in receiving healthcare. Canada with its single-payer system had a wait time of 18.2 weeks for which the patients end up suffering.
We will also face other problems common in those countries like the government deciding what treatment you need and bribes and corruption to get better facilities.
Is Healthcare is really Such a Complex Matter?
Healthcare is not complex in itself; it is the monopoly, the politics, and greed which are making the system unworthy and ineffective. If we empower the patients, doctors, and unify the stakeholders allowing individualized care, then we can see a change.
It is not going to happen overnight, but a solution can be reached. With the right strategy, we can create a healthcare system that is flexible, efficient, and delivers quality care.
We also need to empower independent physicians who continue to work for the best of their patients without the problems of dealing with corporate bureaucracy.