What is Single Payer?

Single Payer (AKA Improved and Expanded Medicare for All):
A single-payer system is the most cost-effective way to guarantee the same high standard of care for everyone. Health care dollars are pooled from all current sources: government (now paying 70% of all health care costs in California), individuals and businesses. A public agency pays all the bills.

Key features of a single-payer system include:

 

  1. Universal Coverage

    Everyone, no matter their age and ethnicity, is covered for life, regardless of employment status, income level, health condition, marital status, or immigration status

  2. Comprehensive Care

    All medically necessary care is covered, including outpatient visits, hospitalization, ER, surgery, dental, vision, hearing, prescription drugs, mental, reproductive and home health services, substance abuse recovery, hospice and long-term care.

  3. Choice of providers

    Patients choose their doctors, health professionals and hospitals. There are no restrictive networks.

  4. Affordable

    Single payer saves money by negotiating prices for services, drugs and medical supplies. It ends wasted spending due to administration costs for profit-driven insurance. Individuals and businesses pay less for health care overage. There are no deductibles or co-pays.

A single-payer system promotes the best possible care and creates financial benefits for everyone by negotiating fair prices and eliminating waste and inefficiencies.