A B C D E F G H I J L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y

sequestration

Cuts to the federal budget that began on March 1, 2013 as an austerity fiscal policy. Enacted by the Budget Control Act of 2011, the cuts were initially set to begin on January 1, but were postponed by two months by the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. The...

single payer system

A health care system, either at the national or state level, that would designate one entity (usually the government) to function as the central purchaser of health care services. Canadian provinces operate health insurance coverage for residents under this...

skilled nursing facility

An institution that offers skilled services similar to those given in a hospital, such as intravenous injections and physical therapy given by professional staff, to aid rehabilitation following hospitalization of patients who have been discharged. SNFs differ from...

small group market

The private insurance market, regulated by state government, where firms with two to 50 employees purchase health insurance for their employees.