Yale study finds 'Medicare for All' could save $1 trillion and 114,000 lives every year
The study has been touted by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders as proof of the benefits of a universal, single-payer healthcare system, but the research hasn't been peer-reviewed
A new Yale University study suggests that implementing a universal, single-payer healthcare system in the United States could save over $1 trillion and prevent approximately 114,174 lives annually. The research, which has not yet undergone peer review, compares the current U.S. healthcare system largely reliant on private insurance to a "Medicare for All" model where Medicare would cover the entire population.
The study estimates that switching to such a system would reduce overall healthcare spending by $1.04 trillion, stemming from lower drug prices, eliminating insurance company billing fraud, and avoiding unnecessary emergency and inpatient care. The primary reduction in deaths would come from increasing access to healthcare for the 27.5 million uninsured Americans, potentially saving 114,174 lives.
The study builds upon a 2020 Yale report that found similar savings and life expectancy benefits, taking into account recent increases in healthcare costs and the aging U.S. population.
Written by urgent.news from Scientific American's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
