What is a Single Payer System of Health Care?
The state government or an agency of the state government purchases medical and health care services directly from medical and health care providers. What can be accomplished in a Single Payer System? • 100% coverage. • Cost control by defining covered benefits, setting a statewide healthcare budget, negotiating provider reimbursement levels, bulk purchasing, and setting standards for quality of care; • Employers, labor unions, multi-employer benefit plans and individuals could purchase additional health care services or coverage. • Provider choice and a variety of benefit options as is currently available. The Benefits of a Single Payer System.* • Total health care spending would drop by as much as 5%. • Average health costs per insured would decline by as much as 16%. • Total employer payments would drop by $590 million or 11%. • Connecticut households gain $1.3 billion in new, net annual income. • Provider reimbursement rates would be stabilized and equalized. • Administrative costs
