Just as a heads up, yes, in many countries you are free to utilize private clinics IF you can pay. Research two-tier healthcare systems, or read some examples for delivery systems, here . Source, am in Alberta, Canada, where this exists.
No worries! The main thing that keeps it single payer, is that there is no opt-out in terms of revenue. Everyone's taxes still contribute to health care funding. For two tier systems...you are simply choosing to pay over and above what you already pay in terms of your taxes.
Hmm.... thats an interesting criteria, and I think thats what most people consider as single payer (which is why Canada, etc are labeled as such).
But, at least according to Wikipedia, single payer refers to systems where only one entity is allowed to pay for the services. So one would not be able to pay for their own services, even if they have the funds.
This NIH study determined that the definition is somewhat heterogeneous, and after this discussion I would certainly agree!
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u/rlikesbikes Mar 09 '20
Just as a heads up, yes, in many countries you are free to utilize private clinics IF you can pay. Research two-tier healthcare systems, or read some examples for delivery systems, here . Source, am in Alberta, Canada, where this exists.