Proponents of publicly funded medicine cite several advantages: universal access to health care, equality in matters of life and death, the reduction of contractual paperwork, and the creation of uniform standards of care. Many studies show that public health care costs less per person, than private health care.

Privately-paid health care diminishes the will of those who can afford it to support public health care.

Publicly funded medicine provides lower quality health care and longer waiting lists than privately funded healthcare systems. There is less motivation for medical innovation? and invention; an increased likelihood that communities will experience a doctor shortage.

Publicly funded medicine is often referred to as "socialized medicine" by its opponents, whereas supporters of this approach tend to use the terms "universal healthcare", "single payer healthcare", or National Health Services. It is seen as a key part of a welfare state.