Difference between Healthcare US and Canada
Health care is a very important concern for a growing number of people all over the world, and nowhere is this better exemplified than in the U.S. and Canada. The two countries’ health care systems are in fact often compared with each other’s, and for all their differences, it would appear that they have a lot in common as well.
Coverage And Access
Health care in the U.S. can be a bit difficult to access for many people, where it is estimated that as many as 40% of the country's citizens have little or no access at all to health insurance. Things are quite a bit better in Canada, where every citizen can get health services by way of the national health care system.
The quality of health care in the U.S. is also often inadequate, with as much as 24% of the country's population getting insufficient health insurance for their needs. In addition, there is currently no universal health care offered to all U.S. citizens, although there are health care programs intended specifically for elderly, disabled, and children patients, as well as those who do not have the ability to pay.
Another key difference is how both countries’ health care systems handle emergency cases. While the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act or EMTALA ensures that all U.S. emergency care patients will receive treatment even without proof of being able to pay, they will still be liable for costs incurred during emergency care. In contrast, the Canadian government will pay for the emergency care costs of any legal Canadian citizen.
Waiting Time
Health care facilities in the U.S. and in Canada both receive common complaints in the waiting times for medical services. The typical problem areas in this regard seem to be those cases in which specialized or major elective surgery is required. The main difference is the reason for the delay. In the U.S., delivery of health care systems can be hindered by lack of funds on the part of the patient, the availability of required services, and the willingness of the health care facility to provide services to the patient at the price approved by the insurance company. In Canada, the main factors that get in the way of prompt health care services is the availability of such services and the treatment requirement of the patient.
Cost
Administrative costs for health care in the U.S. is quite a bit higher than it is in Canada. Nevertheless, these costs account for a large part of both countrys’ budgets, with the United States spending more per capita than Canada does. To illustrate, the Canadian government spent US$2,120 per person in 2004, while the United States government-spent US$2,724 per person in the same period.
Similarities and Differences
Health care in the U.S.
- As many as 40% of the country's citizens have little or no access at all to health insurance
- As much as 24% of the country's population receive insufficient health insurance for their needs
- Patients will still be liable for costs incurred during emergency care
- Spent US$2,724 Per Person In Health care costs In 2004
Health care in Canada
- Every citizen can get health services by way of the national health care system
- Canadian government pays for the emergency care costs of any legal Canadian citizen
- Spent US$2,120 per person in health care costs in 2004
