Potential Benefits of a Single-Payer Health Care System By Johnathan Perkins

1. Potential Benefits of a
Single-Payer Health Care
System
By Johnathan Perkins

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.