6.2.6 Equality of Care

6.2.6 Equality of Care

A key difference in American and Canadian values reflected in their economic systems is the belief in publicly-funded healthcare.

Canadians value universal healthcare, sometimes referred to as "medicare" or "socialized medicine" (as it is called in the US). It is a Canadian taxpayer-funded and provincially-managed program that provides quality care to all Canadians regardless of their ability to pay. However, private healthcare is not an option for Canadians. Those who want more immediate service, private rooms, or certain types of treatment must leave the country to get it. The decision to provide universal health care was made by Canadian members of parliament, supported by voters.

In the United States, people must purchase private insurance, pay their own medical bills, or belong to a Health Maintenance Organization. Sometimes referred to as "managed care", an HMO is a group of hospitals, doctors, and other providers contracted to provide a level of service to subscribers. In 2010, 15% of all Americans had no health care insurance, and 35% did not have enough insurance to cover their medical needs.

Is private health care better than public health care?

This issue has been in the news for some time, especially in the United States where politicians on the right of the economic spectrum and medical and pharmaceutical lobbyists work to persuade voters that Canadian style health care is inferior and deprives them of the fundamental freedom to choose their own form of health care. About 91% of Canadians say they prefer the Canadian system of health care to that in the United States, and 70% say it is working well or very well for the nation, as compared to only 25% of Americans who believe in their own health care system.

Consider an example of coronary by-pass surgery. Canadians requiring a heart by-pass do not pay for it. The cost is paid through their healthcare dollars. In 2005, the average cost to the healthcare system of by-pass surgery was $10 000. In the United States, individuals or their private health insurance providers paid on average $20 000 for a by-pass. Canadians stayed in hospital nearly 17% longer. There was no difference in mortality rate.


Consider the two world maps.

Which nations seem to spend an unusually large amount on health care? Which nations pay far less?

In fact, the United States spends more money on health care per person than any nation in the world. Studies estimate that 62% of all bankruptcies in the United States are caused by medical bills.