There are probably 170 different versions of public systems. I think you're making the mistake of assuming they all operate the same way.
In both public systems I've been a part of, yes there is a hospital budget, but it's paid out through procedures. Don't have anyone in the hospital? No payment.
Re:Ask HN: Who Is Firing?
by sudosysgen on Thursday April 16, 2020 @10:27PM
(#22895660)
Sure, but what I'm telling you is that in the event of a major event that means that the amount of procedures goes down drastically which means the healthcare budget is not depleted, but that hospitals need to money to deal with a pandemic, the state steps in and will fund the hospitals.
Were it not for for-profit healthcare, the US would almost certainly operate this way.