Universal Single Payer Explained
From private to nationalized systems, there are a lot of ways people access health care around the world. A single payer health care system is one way countries provide health care to all citizens.
What is universal single payer healthcare?
Single payer healthcare is a type of system where a single agency covers the costs of health care. In this system, the term "single-payer" refers to the government. The government purchases healthcare goods and services from private companies. Universal means all citizens can access essential health care--no matter the cost.
A national health care system is different. In this type of system, the government owns hospitals and employs doctors. England's National Healthcare Service (NHS) is an example of this type of system. This type of system also delivers universal health care.
What are the benefits?
In a single payer system, private medical providers compete to earn government contracts. As a result, the government has more bargaining power and can lower health care costs. For example, a government could choose to buy only affordable, generic drugs. Or it could set costs for medical procedures.
In a universal single payer system, everyone can access health care for free. Universal access means people are more likely to take part in preventative care. Preventative care is usually much cheaper than emergency treatment, which lowers total costs.
Who pays?
Governments typically pay for healthcare costs through taxation, sovereign wealth funds or borrowing.
What happens to private health care?
Residents living in a universal healthcare system can still buy private insurance.
Does it work?
Canada, Norway, Australia, and Taiwan all have universal single payer health care systems. Countries with universal health care usually have better outcomes than the US.
Does Oregon have single payer healthcare?
Low income Oregonians and their dependents can access the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). The OHP provides free coverage for people in Oregon who meet eligibility criteria. Coverage includes all essential health care needs and some vision care. OHP functions as a single-payer option among low-income residents. But the plan only covers roughly 150,000 people. This means the organization does not have enough negotiating power to lower costs. It also cannot streamline healthcare delivery for all Oregonians.
Oregon does not currently have a single payer healthcare program. However, Oregon’s SB 770 Joint Task Force on Universal Health Care was established in 2019. The task force will work to recommend the design for a universal healthcare system in Oregon. They have until 2022.
About Oregon SB 770
The SB 770 Task Force is a group of politicians, public health providers, business owners, and community leaders. They will work together to design a Health Care for All Plan. In 2022, the Task Force will submit the design to the Oregon State Legislature. Once the Health Care for All Plan reaches the legislature, the Oregon congress may vote on it. It may also transform into a ballot measure for Oregon voters to consider.
Who decides?
To create the plan, the Task Force will ask for public input from across the state. Everyone is welcome to share their views on what a universal health care plan should look like in Oregon. (You can submit your own testimony to the Task Force.)
What’s the goal?
The Task Force’s goal is to create a high quality health care plan. The plan will be equitable, affordable, and comprehensive. It will be available to everybody residing in Oregon, and the public will fund it. Learn more about the Oregon SB 770 Task Force on Universal Health Care.
Advocate for universal single payer healthcare in Benton County with MVHCA
Are you ready to see universal healthcare come to fruition in Oregon?
Mid-Valley Health Care Advocates (MVHCA) is an all-volunteer, community-based, 501(c)(3) organization. We advocate for publicly funded universal health care in Oregon and nationwide. From attending rallies to committee leadership, we welcome you to get involved. Join us on Zoom every fourth Monday of the month or reach out to us at contact@mvhca.org.