Running head: SINGLE PARTY PAYER

Difference Between Single Party Payer

And US Healthcare System
Eduardo Santoyo
HCA 600
National University

September 19, 2015

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Abstract

This paper will discuss differences between a single party payer and the US Healthcare System.
We will look at some of the characteristics of a single party payer system, here focusing on
countries that have universal health care. The paper will be taking a look at some of the
countries that participate in such system and how they compare to the US. I will also examine
how the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 have affected healthcare delivery in
the US.

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Difference Between Single Party Payer
And US Healthcare System

As the United States adjusts to the changes of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010,
there has been a push among groups to consider a different type of delivery system. One of those
systems being discussed is the single party payer system. In this paper, we will discuss the
changes that have been implemented with the passing of the ACA and discuss the differences
between both systems.
Description
In a single party system, there is a single, publicly financed insurance plan that provides
comprehensive health care (MassCare, n.d.). Some of the countries that currently have this type
of health system are: the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy and Spain. This type of health system
gives the population easier access to primary care without barrier of cost, thus allowing for early
detection and avoiding expensive costs of treatment later on. Single payer also allows for
reduction of provider overhead meaning that providers only send their bill to one payer, not
requiring them to deal with different insurance companies for services.
Comparison
There are many differences between the US and single party payer health care systems.
With the ACA, there exists the Medicare and Medicaid programs for low-income and elderly that
are controlled by the government, which is similar to a single payer program, but there is no
freedom to pick and choose doctors or hospitals. Under the ACA, insurers are not allowed to
reject sick individuals, and people are required to purchase insurance, in order to prevent health
care market failures from occurring. Canada is seen as a prime example for those who prefer

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universal health care; with Canadas health care system there has been deaths among patients due
to having long waiting lists (Shi & Singh, 2012).

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Conclusion

When we look at how single party payer system has been implemented in first-class
countries, it makes you wonder if ultimately the U.S. will look towards that type of health care
system in the future. With the changes that have been put into action with ACA, we must look
closely at the advantages and disadvantages and what that would bring to quality of care. Our
health care system has been driven by financial gains in the past. Now that our government has
stepped in and are managing our health care system, certain groups are starting to worry that they
will lose financially.

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References

Ghanta, Praveen. (2009, August 9). Re: Analyzing our economy, government policy, and
society through the lens of cost-benefit. [Blog post]. Retrieved from
http://www.truecostblog.com/2009/08/09/countries-with-universal-healthcare-by-date/.
MassCare: Massachusetts Campaign for Single Payer Health Care. [Website]. (n.d.). Retrieved
from http://www.masscare.org/what-is-single-payer/.
Shi, L., & Singh, D.A., (2012). Delivering health care in America: A systems approach.
Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.