Health care debate's language needs clarification for electorate

As negotiations continue on reforming our healthcare
system, it is more important than ever to ensure
we have clarity on key policy terms - especially some of
the most politically loaded terms: universal health care,
single-payer health care and socialized health care.
Some news reports inaccurately use these terms.

Universal health care should describe a system of
organizing benefits. It means to establish a "floor" of
benefits that all people have a right to access. People in
a universal health-care system can purchase benefits
above the floor. There does not have to be a ceiling.

Universal health care can parallel the universal education
system we have in this country. All people have
a right to access K-12 education. Parents can send their
children to public schools or purchase private education.
Given the acceptance of our universal education
system, universal health care should not be viewed as
an enemy of the liberty we enjoy in this country.

Single-payer health care means the centralization of
payment for health-care services from one organization,
such as the government. We already use a singlepayer
system for large parts of our health-care system
(Medicaid, Medicare and Veterans Administration
programs).

Socialized medicine means health-care providers are
employees of the government. We already have socialized
medicine, such as in the VA health-care system.
Universal health care does not require a single-payer
approach, nor does it require socialized medicine.

We need to understand these terms to improve the
health-care debate and policies so that we can compete
in a global economy and for the sake of our children.

Democracy hinges upon an informed electorate.