Difference between revisions of "Universal Health Care"
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There are many different types of care which fall under the term universal health care <ref>American Medical Student Association, ''Theoretical Models for Delivering Health Care'' [http://www.amsa.org/uhc/theories.cfm]</ref>. Some of these systems are highlighted here: | There are many different types of care which fall under the term universal health care <ref>American Medical Student Association, ''Theoretical Models for Delivering Health Care'' [http://www.amsa.org/uhc/theories.cfm]</ref>. Some of these systems are highlighted here: | ||
| − | *'''Single-payer''' health care is a system in which one entity pays for the health care of the entire population. This entity is traditionally the federal government, and the system is paid for through taxes. [[Canada]], [[Cuba]] and [[North Korea]] are the only three countries using this system. | + | *'''Single-payer''' health care is a system in which one entity pays for the health care of the entire population. This entity is traditionally the federal or national government, and the system is paid for through taxes. [[Canada]], [[Cuba]] and [[North Korea]] are the only three countries using this system. |
*'''Multi-payer''' health care is similar to the single-payer system, except that individuals may also choose to purchase private insurance. | *'''Multi-payer''' health care is similar to the single-payer system, except that individuals may also choose to purchase private insurance. | ||
*'''Tax Credits''' can be used to provide uninsured individuals with a discount in their taxes to use towards paying for health care. | *'''Tax Credits''' can be used to provide uninsured individuals with a discount in their taxes to use towards paying for health care. | ||
Revision as of 14:36, August 1, 2007
Universal health care (UHC) is any system in which every citizen of a country has access to affordable health care [1]. This could refer to several different types of health care systems, including single payer health insurance or health savings accounts.
While socialized medicine is often used synonymously for universal health care, this is incorrect [2]. Socialized medicine could be a form of universal health care, but UHC itself is an umbrella term which includes any form of universally affordable health care.
Types of Universal health care
There are many different types of care which fall under the term universal health care [3]. Some of these systems are highlighted here:
- Single-payer health care is a system in which one entity pays for the health care of the entire population. This entity is traditionally the federal or national government, and the system is paid for through taxes. Canada, Cuba and North Korea are the only three countries using this system.
- Multi-payer health care is similar to the single-payer system, except that individuals may also choose to purchase private insurance.
- Tax Credits can be used to provide uninsured individuals with a discount in their taxes to use towards paying for health care.
- Managed competition is a system which allows employers to join health care purchasing cooperatives. These cooperatives negotiate with private insurance providers to provide employees with a number of health options. The premiums are paid for in large part by the employer, and all purchasers pay the same price, regardless of their current health situation.
Proponents of universal health care
- The American Medical Student Association [3] is a proponent of single-payer health insurance.
- The Universal Health Care Action Network (UHCAN) [4] is an organization which promotes universal health care in general.
Opponents of universal health care
- The Cato Institute [5] is in favor of free market solutions to health care, and advocates health savings accounts in combination with high-deductible private insurance plans.
See Also
- Free Market Cure, site criticizing universal health care.
- Health care
- Socialized medicine
- Free health care
- Single-payer health care
- Multi-payer health care
- Health savings accounts