Public Health Care In The Us And Canada

Health care has been one of the primary concerns in every society of the world. Each countries health care system varies in terms of health care delivery, economics and the government role in promoting and funding the basic health care needs and services. Most countries are faced with the dilemma in providing its residents the necessary public medical care and at the same time controlling the national costs.

Various countries with public health care system differ in quality, efficiency and availability. While some nations` health care systems evolved through the years, other countries rely on combined effort of the government, employers, trades union, non-governmental bodies such as charities and religious groups. They work hand in hand in delivering its population the proper health care services.

Public health care in the US and Canada have significant differences. The American health care system is patterned mainly on private health care system wherein the vast majority avail of private insurances usually procured through their employers. Most of these insurances cover only the employee and not all the members of the family.

Although the US public health care program covers the medical care of select group of disabled, poor, senior citizens, children and veterans, it does not cover those who cannot really afford private health insurance. Those who are laid off from work or have casual jobs mostly do not have insurance. Even if insured, most Americans are not completely covered when it comes to long-term health care, specialized treatment and the cost of prescription drugs.

Canada and all developed countries in the world with the exception of US, have universal health care system. Public health care in Canada adapts the single-payer health care system which provides medical coverage for everyone. The federal government subsidizes part of the funding and the provincial government manages medical practitioners, hospitals and facilities and service payments.

The health care in Canada is mostly funded by the public through income taxes and predetermined monthly premium of individual or supplemental health insurance. The premium can be reduced or even waived depending on residents` financial status. Not only the public health care program in Canada assures quality medical services, it also partly subsidizes the bulk of the cost of prescription drugs.

In general, Canada`s Medicare system is cost effective as it eases the financial burden of health care from the government. Not only quality medical care is provided, pharmaceutical prices are government regulated afforded by many. To put the system simply, it lets everyone pays so that when you are well, you are helping pay for those who are sick and when you are sick, others are paying to help cover your costs.