So many questions remain over single-payer approach

The Congressional Budget Office’s report on single-payer healthcare (“CBO warns of complexities, disruption of a singlepayer system,” May 6, p. 6) raises some interesting questions. The nonpartisan, impartial CBO is one of the most respected government agencies. Its report analyzed cost/ financing, administration, benefits provided and eligibility. And as the report clearly indicates, there is no commonly accepted one-size-fits-all plan used in other nations.

However, the CBO report may do more to confuse the situation than to clarify it. For example, the CBO reviewed who employs those providing care (government or private employment) and if hospitals are owned by the government or private sources. Frankly, a system like the British National Health Service, which employs its physicians and owns its hospitals, isn’t being seriously suggested by single-payer advocates.

Having been heavily involved with this topic for over 10 years, singlepayer supporters (including myself) are clearly visualizing expansion of our existing Medicare program, with modifications.

Where there are differences, they relate to: How quickly should the new program be implemented? Should it cover noncitizens? Should all physical and mental health services be covered, including long-term care? Should vision and hearing be covered? Should there be co-pays? How quickly should Medicare Advantage be phased out? Should private insurance play any role? And the key financial question: How should we move current private expenditures by citizens and corporations into the public sector to defray the cost of the new system?

Jack Bernard Peachtree City, Ga.