What characterizes a "single-payer" health care system?

A "single-payer" health care system is characterized by having a single public agency responsible for managing the financing of health care services. This means that there is one administrative body, typically the government, that collects taxes and pays for all health care costs, thereby streamlining the process of financing health care. This structure allows for a more unified approach to providing medical services, which can help reduce administrative costs and improve access to care.

In a single-payer system, all citizens receive health care services that are funded through the same public source, regardless of income or employment status. This contrasts with systems that rely on multiple private insurers or decentralized payment models, which can create disparities in access and lead to higher overall costs due to the complexities involved in managing multiple payers. Additionally, with limited government involvement in financing, as seen in certain models, there's often less efficiency and greater out-of-pocket expenses for individuals compared to a single-payer system where the aim is to provide universal coverage under one umbrella.