There are a wide range of similarities between The Canadian and American health care systems, though the US spends more than Canada on its healthcare system, the perception among citizens of the two countries is that Canadian healthcare is more affordable (if not free) than the American healthcare system. The main differences between the two health care systems are highlighted below:
Canada operates a single-payer health care system, America does not
The fragmented nature of the American healthcare system has led to higher administrative costs. Switching from one insurance provider to another is also leading to a loss in vital health care information of individuals. There is separate health insurance for an individual below 65 and at the age of 65, Medicare funds an individual’s health insurance, and a lot of Americans believe that the Medicare has much lower incentives for older adults. Canada operates a single-payer health care system funded by public tax and it is available for all residents and citizens, regardless of the age.
Single payer health coverage is all-inclusive in Canada, Not in the USA
The single payer health coverage in Canada provides coverage for all basic health care services, including maternity care. This is not the case in the US, maternity coverages are normally provided through private health insurance coverage. Green Shield Insurance offers an affordable and all-inclusive insurance package for households and it is quite economical.
There are premium tax credits in the US, that does not exist in Canada
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), there are tax subsidies such as the premium tax credits available for households with cumulative incomes that is 100% to 400% higher than the Federal poverty level. This was done to reduce the costs of healthcare for those who are unable to afford them. These tax credits are not available in Canada since almost every citizen and resident are covered through public tax systems.
Undocumented immigrants have limited access to health care in Canada, not in the USA
Undocumented immigrants in Canada are not fully covered under the Universal healthcare system, though they have limited access to basic health care coverage. Undocumented immigrants and those that have overstayed their temporary visa or permit are not eligible for healthcare coverage in the United States of America.
Wait times for medical help can be longer in Canada
The average Canadian can take more than 21 weeks to wait for treatment from a specialist, though emergency situations are exempted from such waiting times, there is about 1 primary health care physician per 1000 patients. The average waiting time in the USA for specialist treatment could be up to 11 weeks. Americans do argue that even the 10-week wait time is quite too much.
In conclusion, there is no free healthcare insurance in Canada and the United States, though the costs may vary significantly between the two countries. Despite a cheaper health care insurance coverage, it costs over $5,500 a year for an average household in Canada to get health insurance cover, especially for the basic, primary care services.