Single Payer Expands Freedom of Choice

Most private plans now used preferred provider
lists or closed panels of physicians and restrictions on the freedom to choose
hospitals, laboratories and other health care facilities and providers. Public
programs for low-income individuals limit freedom of choice simply because of a
lack of willing providers due to chronic underfunding that is characteristic of
welfare programs. Although several proposals tout freedom of choice of health
plans, based partly on competition of premiums, it is the health plans that
take away our freedom to choose physicians, hospitals and other providers. The
single payer model covers all health care professionals and facilities,
granting us the freedom to choose based on the quality of services delivered.
That’s the freedom of choice that we really want.