Single-payer health care

A system of health care characterized by universal and comprehensive coverage.

Single-payer health care is similar to the health services provided by Medicare in the US.

The government pays for care that is delivered in the private (mostly not-for-profit) sector.

Doctors are in private practice and are paid on a fee-for-service basis from government funds.

The government does not own or manage their medical practices or hospitals.

Single-payer health care is distinct and different from socialized medicine in which doctors and hospitals work for and draw salaries from the government.