Potential Benefits of a Single-Payer Health Care

SystemBy Johnathan Perkins

If the United States were to implement a single-payer health care system similar to

Canada’s, an overwhelming majority of Americans (95 percent) would pay less for health care than they do today and would receive higher quality

care.

In addition, a single-payer system would provide other benefits:

1. Reduce administrative waste. Right now, about 31 cents of every health care dollar goes to administrative costs. The money

could be put toward providing coverage for every citizen.

2. Reduce the burden of health care costs on employers. Health insurance costs for employers have risen steadily in the last

several years, and they are not expected to stop. With a single-payer system, employers would pay less than they currently do for

more comprehensive coverage.

3. Offer need-based care. Anyone who is sick would be able to receive care, meaning that patients would not have to grapple with

insurance companies in order to receive treatment for their conditions.

4. Reduce hospital debt problems. Because of streamlined billing, hospitals could save money on administrative costs, funnel that savings to treatment, and avoid closing for debt-related reasons.

About Johnathan Perkins

In 2011, Johnathan Perkins earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law. Today, Perkins works as a legal intern with

Robinson & Geraldo, PC, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He advocates a single-payer,

government-funded health care system.