The single payer/universal health care/Medicare-for-All idea has become an increasingly popular subject, especially as the 2020 campaigns get underway. Powers discusses why, on the surface, the concept has merit. Upon further scrutiny, Powers counters that the single payer system is unworkable in America. Her perspectives about the uniqueness of America’s size and diversity make comparisons between our country’s health system and those of other developed countries invalid. In addition, under a single payer system, the multitude of options for medical care available today will not be rationed with financial discipline, pushing our country into further dubious fiscal territory.

Key Citations

* Report on Canadian health care system: Fraser Institute

* Comparison of health systems in economically developed countries: Peterson-Kaiser Health System Tracker

* Racial/ethnic population analysis in America: Kaiser Family Foundation

* Religious diversity in America: Pew Research Center

* Status of states that have expanded Medicaid: Kaiser Family Foundation

* Government underpayment to U.S. hospitals: American Hospital Association

* Insured rates for all and non-elderly Americans: United States Census Bureau

Transcript

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Welcome to The Powers Report Podcast. I am your host, Janis Powers. The show brings you candid, unique and data-driven perspectives on the health care industry. I believe that any solution that is going to positively impact the American health care system has to satisfy two major criteria: financial viability and behavioral incentive alignment. In other words, access to high quality care can only be achieved if we can afford it, and if we behave in ways that optimize our health. These are major themes that will be discussed in each podcast. Please subscribe to our show on i-Tunes or on your preferred podcasting platform and connect with us on social media. Again, this is Janis Powers, and welcome to The Powers Report Podcast.

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