Now that Americans have shown both via the results of the election and the polls that what they want is Single-Payer Medicare for All, it is imperative that we are clear what it means. We must ensure that we do not allow neo-liberal politicians to conflate terminologies to keep our legally fraudulent Healthcare Industrial Complex afloat.
Differences between Single-Payer Medicare for All and Universal Healthcare
Americans are starting to get that healthcare cannot be left to the device of the market as by definition it has no humanity. Single-payer Medicare for all is the only solution. Many do not like the absoluteness with which I make that statement. I do not say it to be hyperbolic. It is an arithmetic, a mathematical fact that we will do well to understand in its simplicity.
Universal Healthcare, not Single-Payer Medicare for All
In short Universal Healthcare is not the same as Single-Payer Medicare for All. The former gives everyone access to the purchase of healthcare but does not guarantee it. Moreover, one can go without health insurance.
Single-Payer Medicare for All covers everyone in the country. Period. It acknowledges healthcare as a right. It pays for services out of the general fund, and the government pays for it via progressive taxation.
I created a simplified explanation of Single-payer Medicare for All explanation here.