Health Care System Comparison

Both Canadian and American health care systems have become a significant part of my culture. I have recently been diagnosed with two major ailments for which both countries hospitals have become dear to my heart. Without the use of both systems I firmly believe I would not be here today. There are many differences between the American and Canadian health care system, both of which I have used and have experience in. I will discuss their fundamental differences and give my opinion as to what aspects I like and dislike about each.

There are major differences between the Canadian and American Health Care Systems. The Canadian Health Care is publicly based which means it is governed by the Canada Health Act. It was created to ensure all Canadian citizens have access to health services. Costs are paid through funding from income tax where virtually all essential basic care is covered. Several practices like psychology, chiropractic, physiotherapy and medication (services not deemed critical) are not covered by the government but can be insured by private companies issued through employers or purchased individually. If the patient lacks private insurance, they have to pay out of their own pocket. The United States health care system is privatized and is profit based. Americans do not automatically have health coverage. They pay out of their own pocket for all services which means people may go untreated if treatment is unaffordable. For many Americans health insurance is a perk given by an employer to help cover the cost of basic health services. Americans can also purchase health insurance individually at an astronomical price (Parente and Bragdon). When it comes to looking at the fundamentals of both private and public systems, I of...

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...it comes to the fundamentals of both health care systems I firmly support the idea that everyone should be given the right to health care regardless of their financial standings, which Canada has a grasp on. In my situation I am very lucky that I have a family who supports me and has the money to put towards my physical health. For those that do not have enough money, Canada is a more viable place to live.

Works Cited

Parente, Stephen, and Tarren Bragdon. "Why Health Care Is so Expensive in New York." The Wall Street Journal [New York] 16 Oct. 2009. Print.

"Comparison of the Health Care Systems in Canada and the United States." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 25 Sept. 2011. .

"Medical Diagnosis with Dr.Sleeman." Telephone interview. 15 Sept. 2011.