Canadians, what do you think of your health care system?

Question

What things are good about it? What are its flaws?

Answer 1

Our health system used to be excellent but its not as good as it once was. Part of the problem is that as diagnostic equipment gets more and more advanced (and expensive!) and as people get more and more knowledgeable about certain procedures they start to demand CAT scans and MRIs for a simple sprained ankle.

People always want 'the best' and while this is OK in general, people get too greedy with the public purse. People visit doctors when they don't need to and ask for expensive treatments that aren't necessary.

The other big problem is that dental care is not included. I think that cosmetic dentistry shouldn't be included but there is definitely a health side to dentistry that should be included. Personally I have to pay out of pocket for dentistry (no insurance) and its frightfully expensive.

Despite the problems and despite the resulting high taxes, I still support it. I don't mind paying more taxes to share health costs, I just wish that it would include dentistry and I wish that people would take care of themselves better and only use the medical system when they really need it.

Answer 2

Megalomaniac has given you a good answer, and I agree that basic dental care should be covered, along with eye examinations. Prescription medications, too; it seems odd that while you are in hospital your meds are paid for, but as soon as you are discharged they are your responsibility, and if you do not have a private health plan that can be devastating.

But since you are presumably an American, let me give you the short compare/contrast between your situation and ours;

The upside of our system is that it is universal. Nobody has to make the difficult decision on whether to get a life-saving or lifestyle preserving treatment for a loved one. The doctors do that and the system is pretty generous, hence that downside; taxes.

Medicare is part of the social safety net that makes Canadian taxes significantly higher than they are in the US, and is the frequent target of fiscal conservatives (to be distinguished from social conservatives, an American concept that scares the s**t out of me). As a fairly well-paid Canadian I have the privilege of paying thousands of tax dollars a year more than I would south of the border, but our safety net means, amongst other things, a much lower crime rate than yours (though smuggling of guns from the USA is cutting into that advantage, particularly in Toronto).

Hope this is helpful.

Answer 3

I agree with everyone here

The basic good of our system is that you aren't faced with making a choice of whether or not you can afford that operation or not. You have the right in this country to have the treatment that you need. Hospital stays etc., can be expensive depending on your circumstances, but if you have a private health plan through your employer, that will generally be covered in one way or another.

I agree that both dental and eye care should become part of our health care system, simply because it is a necessity of life and some can't afford to pay the outrageous fees charged.

My beef...the wait times..but I can count all the dollars in my pocket from not having to pay for the visit :)

Answer 4

Our health care system is adequate, although I do agree with some of the other posters that dental should be tossed into the coverage...and prescription drugs...There are companies that provide comprehensive benefits package that cover these extra expenses...but the majority are left to pay out of their own pockets...

However, I can't complain too much about what we currently have in place..I mean if, god forbid, I should have a medical emergency it is comforting to know that I will receive the appropriate care regardless of my financial situation. Specialized tests, a bed if I am admitted into hospital, and treatment...all of these are at my disposal with the health card.

Really, all that's left to do, besides including the dental, is to hire doctors who are competent enough to properly diagnose...then our system will truly be amazing.

Answer 5

Our health care system is great. yes it does cost. and no it doesnt cover everything.

For example doctors have no incentive to perform unnecessary surgery for MONEY. If you don't qualify medically they wont do it. if you need immediate treatment tnen you get immediate treatment best on your condition.

we could use more equipment or the staff to operate them on a 24 hour basis to ease some wait times, but all in all its a great system.

Answer 6

Let me give you an example
A friend of mine broke a leg in the US, and it required orthopedic surgery. The surgeon's bill was $7,000. The hospital bill was over $10,000.
On arriving home, another friend, who is also an orthopedic surgeon, said scale payment for him to do that operation would have been $700 and there would be no charge to the patient. It would be covered by Medicare. Hospital bill would be zero, as it's covered by medicare.
Need I say more?

Answer 7

It was better a year ago, but they made some cuts.
It is still the best public health care in the world, so we cant complain.

Answer 8

A little slow is a flaw.

Answer 9

I'm satisfied with it, although I wonder if it's worth paying so much for it.