I'm an American and I would love it if my country would adopt some kind of socialized health care insurance. I hear about the Candian one all the time, both positive (from people saying they want to move to Canada for their progressive thinking) and negative (from people who are against it and say that Canadian health care is a mess and there are long waiting times, and doctor shortages, etc).
When did you switch to socialized health insurance? How do you like the change? What are some of the positive and negative effects?
2007-02-15 07:30:36 · 12 answers · asked by army of me 2 in Travel ➔ Canada ➔ Other - Canada
I know you specifically asked for Canadians to answer, but I am answering as well due to a unique viewpoint as an american living in Canada and having experienced both systems firsthand.
The pro's of Canadian System: (only two maybe, but very large ones)
Anyone can get health care. Period.
You don't go bankrupt from medical bills.
The Con's of Canadian System:
Waiting periods for essential treatment ... treatment for cancer has a goal of 4 weeks after dx, in actuality averages starting 12 weeks after dx. Hubby waited 14 months for hernia operation and has been waiting 4 months for gallbladder removal.
Does not cover medicines, appliances, dental, vision.
Common misconceptions:
It's free. Besides higher taxes to cover it, in some provinces you also have to pay a monthly amount towards it .. anywhere from $50 to $150 and more a month in B.C. if you are over a certain income (around $850 a month). Optional insurance for dental, vision, medicines, and other items is on top of that.
There are some European countries that have better national health care programs than Canada does, though it must be noted they are much smaller in both size and population, which may figure in. I would look specifically into some of the Scandinavian countries health care systems.
2007-02-16 17:42:03 · answer #1 · answered by Pichi 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
We changed over 40 years ago, so most don't really remember any other system. Things started moving in the early 1960's and was fully in place by the mid 60's.
The system works well. It isn't perfect, but Canadians are the first to look at it and try to fine tune it. I and my family haven't had any trouble with the system or experienced any line ups. I however have talked to Americans who have spent hours on end in Emergencies full of people who should be seeing a regular doctor. I have seen Americans become sick and then found out the Insurance they paid for was not enough.
Americans refuse to try fix their system. They debate the political lines and capitalistic theories. Health and welfare of the people isn't the debate, it is socialism vs capitalism. So, they are unwilling to change, and make all kinds of weird and rude exaggerations about the Canadian system when they haven't been here. Why? Well obviously because it is a viable alternative and threat to the American Way. Even if the American way leaves a lot of poor sick people with no help.
2007-02-15 11:05:12 · answer #2 · answered by JuanB 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Well, I'm a Canadian that went to school in the US so I've seen both systems at work. Although the Canadian system is far from perfect, I have always felt it is a lot better than some of the other health care systems out there. Yes, there can be long wait times and I know there are definitely areas that need more doctors because I live in one of them. However, I saw my mom go through almost 100 tests in the space of 1 month and 6 days during the SARS outbreak back in 2003 and although they couldn't do anything for her, the tests helped diagnose exactly what form of cancer she had and has helped my and my sister's doctor to make sure we never get what she died of.
2007-02-15 15:15:09 · answer #3 · answered by patgd25 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
As a Canadian, I agree with the others. It's a great system. It's gone through some unfortunate revamping the past few years, but as with all things, nothing can stay the same forever. And paying a little for things like eye exams, etc., isn't a big deal for most. When you have personal coverage like I do (really good benefits through work), this system is a dream. The only time we pay for things are deductibles on our prescriptions and if we go over our $3000 annual dental allowance. :) I'm very lucky compared to many, but, nevertheless, it's a fantastic system. From the consumer end of it anyhow.
2007-02-19 16:15:15 · answer #4 · answered by penbuddy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have lived in Canada my entie life and I am proud of our health care system. It has made it possible for people of all ages to have a better quality of life. Yes there are wait times but if there is an emergency or life threatening then you are seen quickly. I have neve had an inordinate wait time for services and doctors are available if you look. The only down side I see as a citizen and mothe is that there is no provisions after age 10 for dental care and that is a shame as it costs so much and is beyond most peoples means. There is always extra costs but they are usually reasonable and at least knowing that you can not be turned away fom a docto or hospital when you are in need becouse of finances is a true blessing
2007-02-15 08:17:40 · answer #5 · answered by buffybot67 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
It's great, even though everyone complains. They would complain even louder if it were taken from them.
I believe the health care system is like the weather. No matter what....someone always complains.
We switched long before I was born. And they have had it in UK and Germany even longer. I think it is sinful that in the USA only people who can afford it get the best health care. So much for equality.
The fact that it is totally free is not quite correct. Employers have to pay a health care tax for each person on the payroll.
2007-02-15 08:59:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
somebody from the united kingdom published something approximately their well-being care the day in the previous right this moment and it grew to become into alarming. interior the united kingdom they at the instant are refusing to hide human beings who smoke and obese human beings for some circumstances led to via their very own doing. One question i'd ask is......How can 3 hundred million have a effective socialized heath care equipment whilst countries that have 50 million or fewer can no longer get it amazing?
2016-10-02 04:56:27 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I lived in Canada for a few years, and the healthcare system is the best I have seen anywhere in the world. It makes the US look like a very bad joke. And comparing it to the UK one just makes you cry.
2007-02-15 13:15:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
I LOVE IT...
NEVER HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT BEING SICK...AND ON THE CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF..THE WAIT TIMES ARE NOT THAT LONG, BE IT SURGERY OR IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM...I HAVE USED BOTH, AND KNOW THIS FOR CERTAIN..I HAVE HAD MY SHARE OF MEDICAL PROBLEMS...AND HAVE USED THE SYSTEM EXTENSIVELY...AND CAN TELL YOU THAT I HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM ATTAINING SERVICES...
IT IS SUPERIOR TO THE AMERICAN SYSTEM BY FAR....
I DON'T KNOW WHERE I'D BE TODAY IF I WERE LIVING IN THE STATES..
2007-02-19 13:38:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's great, but if money is not an issue, the United States still offers the best health care services.
2007-02-15 14:27:20 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋