Under a single-payer/gov't run universal healthcare, would you keep your doctor? (premium, insurance)

[bingo3000]

Under a single-payer, government run universal healthcare program in America, would patients get to keep their doctors, this is a serious question.

[Catgirl64]

Under a single-payer, government run universal healthcare program in America, more patients would have doctors to keep.

[TwoByFour]

The answer is in the details which we don't know yet as right now single payer is just an idea.

But here is what I can tell you: I went on Medicare two years ago. Medicare is like single-payer for everyone over 65. When I went on it, most of my doctors did not change, I just switched to paying them with Medicare insurance rather than my former private insurance. But one of my docs, an orthopedic surgeon, does not accept Medicare so I did have to drop him and find another one.

But if most Americans are on single-payer, all doctors will be forced to accept it, or go out of business. Well, there will probably be high-end clinics for the rich which will never take single-payer patients but if you're not rich you won't notice a change.

[shadowne]

Under a single-payer system my doctor would not be participating. She went to concierge medicine a couple of years ago. I pay an annual fee and can see her as often as I need or want to and most basic services are included.

[Joe90]

People choose doctors, doctors don't choose people.

[crone]

Insurance companies choose doctors. Many people cannot pay their $

500 a month premiums, $5000 deductible and then extra for an off network doctor.

[Joe90]

Didn't know that insurance companies choose doctors - even family doctors?

Sounds a bit more complicated than single payer.

[royalabran]

Originally Posted by bingo3000

Under a single-payer, government run universal healthcare program in America, would patients get to keep their doctors, this is a serious question.

Single payer does not mean government run healthcare, though it could.


I'm a retired Vet so I have access to government run healthcare and it is less efficient.
The VA system of hospitals is run by the government they pay the doctors and staff. If I use them I must see a VA doctor, I can choose which one. I guess this could be called government run and single payer but its only available to Vets.


I also work and have Blue Cross and with that I can pretty much choose my doctor and hospital from the community, but they do have to agree to accept my insurance.
If the government becomes the single payer then insurance is no longer needed.


The savings is suppose to come from not having a need for Insurance Companies which in order to exist much operate on a profit.
A single payer system that we currently have in place for Senior Citizens is Medicare it is more efficient (I believe) than the VA or private insurance companies.


So to answer your question if we move to single payer you should be able to keep your Doctor. They would have to accept the government as in Medicare as the payer. If your rich enough there is always a self pay option.

[shadowne]

Originally Posted by crone

Insurance companies choose doctors. Many people cannot pay their $

500 a month premiums, $5000 deductible and then extra for an off network doctor.

It was $500 before ACA, although a lower deductible. Mine was just under $800/mo with a $7,000 deductible last year.

[Frank DeForrest]

You'll be lucky to get a doctor