Canadian Health Care System Compared to the United States Health Care System: What is the Difference?
Lexi Pratt Saint Anselm College PBH375 A: Health Policy and Economics Professor Preston March 18th, 2024.
Canadian Health Care System Compared to the United States Health Care System: What is the Difference? Health care systems are complex and often challenging to understand, even when individuals act as stakeholders. Trying to compare health care systems is a challenge, especially when systems vary greatly and the styles of systems are not understood. In American politics, health care is often a topic of controversy, leading to further confusion. So often today, the term “universal health care” is thrown into conversation, with comparisons …show more content…
Despite about nine percent of Americans being uninsured, around 50% of Americans receive private insurance via their employer. More than half of Americans have private insurance via their employer or the marketplace, with each insurance plan varying greatly in the coverage provided and the cost to the policyholder. For those living in the United States, understanding the complexities of coverage and healthcare financing is challenging, with many not entirely knowing the complete system (ISPOR, n.d.). The health care system is a polarizing topic in the United States, with new legislation often occurring on the state and federal levels. There is a need for Americans to understand the health care policies and legislation that can affect them, as just because an individual or family is insured does not guarantee they will receive certain services for a particular fee. Without a standard, centralized health organization, individuals are left vulnerable to gaps in coverage and may be left with unexpected healthcare expenditures (Understanding healthcare in the U.S. 2021). Cost The United States spent roughly $4.5 trillion on health care in 2022, accounting for 17.3% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). To …show more content…
When viewing the Canadian health care system, it is crucial to understand that the manner in which they refer to Medicare differs vastly from the United States Medicare program. Unlike in the United States, the Canadian Medicare health system is not just for individuals 65 years old and older and those with certain disabilities and characteristics. The Canadian Medicare program was created under the Canada Health Act to meet the five pillars of the act. The system must be universal, publicly administered, have comprehensive coverage, be accessible to the population, and be portable across provinces and territories. Despite Canada having a universal program, there is not a single national plan, but rather health insurance plans available that differ across the provinces and territories. No matter the provincial or territorial health insurance plan available, all Canadian residents have “reasonable access to medically necessary hospital and physician services without paying out-of-pocket” (Health Canada, 2023). The roles and responsibilities for health care services are divided and shared between provincial, territorial, and federal government authorities. The provinces and territories have responsibilities to the residents, as the role of the agencies is to maintain management,
Lexi Pratt Saint Anselm College PBH375 A: Health Policy and Economics Professor Preston March 18th, 2024.
Canadian Health Care System Compared to the United States Health Care System: What is the Difference? Health care systems are complex and often challenging to understand, even when individuals act as stakeholders. Trying to compare health care systems is a challenge, especially when systems vary greatly and the styles of systems are not understood. In American politics, health care is often a topic of controversy, leading to further confusion. So often today, the term “universal health care” is thrown into conversation, with comparisons …show more content…
Despite about nine percent of Americans being uninsured, around 50% of Americans receive private insurance via their employer. More than half of Americans have private insurance via their employer or the marketplace, with each insurance plan varying greatly in the coverage provided and the cost to the policyholder. For those living in the United States, understanding the complexities of coverage and healthcare financing is challenging, with many not entirely knowing the complete system (ISPOR, n.d.). The health care system is a polarizing topic in the United States, with new legislation often occurring on the state and federal levels. There is a need for Americans to understand the health care policies and legislation that can affect them, as just because an individual or family is insured does not guarantee they will receive certain services for a particular fee. Without a standard, centralized health organization, individuals are left vulnerable to gaps in coverage and may be left with unexpected healthcare expenditures (Understanding healthcare in the U.S. 2021). Cost The United States spent roughly $4.5 trillion on health care in 2022, accounting for 17.3% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). To …show more content…
When viewing the Canadian health care system, it is crucial to understand that the manner in which they refer to Medicare differs vastly from the United States Medicare program. Unlike in the United States, the Canadian Medicare health system is not just for individuals 65 years old and older and those with certain disabilities and characteristics. The Canadian Medicare program was created under the Canada Health Act to meet the five pillars of the act. The system must be universal, publicly administered, have comprehensive coverage, be accessible to the population, and be portable across provinces and territories. Despite Canada having a universal program, there is not a single national plan, but rather health insurance plans available that differ across the provinces and territories. No matter the provincial or territorial health insurance plan available, all Canadian residents have “reasonable access to medically necessary hospital and physician services without paying out-of-pocket” (Health Canada, 2023). The roles and responsibilities for health care services are divided and shared between provincial, territorial, and federal government authorities. The provinces and territories have responsibilities to the residents, as the role of the agencies is to maintain management,