3 ms·
What I was wondering about was how much money is needed for the sheer administration of processing claims and payments in the US system? In the UK in the NHS,
by mattlondon 8y ago
What I was wondering about was how much money is needed for the sheer administration of processing claims and payments in the US system?
In the UK in the NHS, there is none of the layers of beurocracy and paperwork related to call-centers and payment handling and claims inspectors (as far as I know anyway) that I assume is commonplace in the US hospitals and insurance companies. You go in, see the doctor, then leave. Usually the only "paperwork" required is booking another appointment if you need to come back - no forms, no invoices, no payment etc.
I guess it is the same argument made about universal income benefits - if we just gave everyone (rich or poor) in the country a set amount of money each year we'd save billions in not having to means-test every claimant individually and actually save money by giving it away to everyone.
- fabricexpert 8y agoThis argument does hold significant validity, unfortunately there is an irrational need to ensure that a minority are not exploiting the system, even at the cost of those who pay for the system. For example, I think all buses in London should be free. Look around the bus and you'll see that most people aren't directly paying (under 16, over 60, on benefits) and by taking away the need to check for payment we could get people on and off the buses much faster and completely remove the need for card readers.