Single-payer math adds up

Whenever there is mention of a single-payer health care system, you always hear: “most people are happy with their employer health plan.” However, let’s analyze the actual finances. Any employee is worth “X” number of dollars to an employer. If you are a contractor, you will be paid “X.” If you are a salaried employee, you will be paid “A” in salary, “B” in health care benefits (which do not include deductibles and co-pays), “C” in retirement benefits, and “D” in mandatory deductions such as Social Security, Medicare, and L&I. However, “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D” still only add up to “X”.

Paying for a single-payer system usually assumes a payroll deduction, of about 10% of salary. So “D” would increase by the 10% figure, but “B” would go away completely. For most employees, “B” is already more than 10% of their salaries, and so, if you are still worth “X” to your employer, “A” should increase by the savings. In addition, all of your family members are automatically given health care coverage with no additional cost to the employer or employee. Also, there will be no deductibles, and minimal co-pays. Single-payer saves money.

Daniel J. Schaffer, MD

Spokane