[mistermann]

> which would eliminate abuse on the billing side, at least to the insured

How does single payer fix that? If the hospital gives you a bill and won't negotiate down, how does the government "fix" this? Which is kind of what my question is: were specifics given in the ACA on how that problem will be fixed?

[rpenm]

A single buyer negotiating with multiple sellers can force prices down to cost. Whether it actually does so is a public choice problem.

[heartbreak]

Well since single payer typically refers to the government being the single payer, the bill goes to the government because you the insured are not the payer of the bill.

[mistermann]

The bill goes to the government, who gets its funding from the people. This in no way stops any systemic over-billing that may be occuring.

[kirrent]

Well, in my country, the government would laugh, and then only pay a standard amount.

[kalleboo]

I thought that was what medic(aid/are) in the US already pretty much did.

[ssambros]

And unless they pay enough no providers will do the procedure unless you somehow force them.

[ceejayoz]

Yes, which is why single-payer systems generally do a tiny bit of research, pick a reasonable amount, and pay that.

[BurningFrog]

Sure, but if you're the single possible payer, you can push that number down quite low.

[ssambros]

Which would require providers to cut as much corners as they possibly can to stay in business.

[rangibaby]

See: Japan where the government decides the price of procedures.

On national health insurance (monthly cost depends on your salary but for an average person it is a few hundred bucks per month) the hospital pays 70% and patient pays 30%.

It means basic visits to the doctor or dentist are very cheap here. Like $20 for consultation + medicine. ER+X-rays and MRI (appendicitis, sigh) was a little bit over $100.