Differences Between These Two Care Systems

The U.S. and Canadian medical systems have much in common and variations. The World Health Organization report shows that both countries are ranked relatively high in healthcare quality. Several statistics distinguish how these systems are structured. Below we will go through the fundamental variations between the Medicare programs in two neighbouring regions.

Government Involvement

The government is closely involved in healthcare in both countries. But what differentiates the authority involvement in health insurance of each country?

In Canada, the government plays an important role in managing its system for promoting and maintaining public health. The Canadian authorities actively participate in various critical aspects related to the population’s overall well-being, such as:

1. Medicare: Funded through taxes and provides universal coverage of medical needs.
2. Provincial and Territorial Governments: Provinces & territories administer healthcare systems such as setting reimbursement policies, coverage, and managing deliveries..
3. Health Canada: Federal department responsible for national health regulation & policy.
4. Canada Health Act: Province must abide by the accessibility guarantee set by the Canada Health Act to receive federal funding for healthcare.

The U.S. government’s involvement in healthcare is a mix of private & public systems. It plays a vital role in general well-being by ensuring other regulations & programs are in place. However, the authority does not offer comprehensive coverage for all citizens. Some critical areas where the American government is involved in its healthcare system include:

1. Medicaid: A federal-stage program that provides health coverage to low-income families and individuals.
2. Medicare: Health insurance for individuals 65 and older.
3. State Children’s Health Insurance Program: It’s a children’s health insurance program administered by the United State Department of Health & Human Services, providing funds for families.

Coverage and Access

In Canada and the States, healthcare is primarily funded through health insurance, but there are notable differences in coverage and access to healthcare between these two countries.

In Canada, the government pays for Medicare with tax funds. As such, as a citizen of Canada, you get universal healthcare coverage. Also, as a legal resident, the government is liable for the cost of emergency room treatment. Although the wait time to get access to specialised care can be a concern.

Healthcare coverage is not guaranteed to all residents in the United States. According to studies, about 7% of its population must be insured or get adequate health insurance. As a result, many Americans rely on employer-sponsored health insurance to get the health insurance coverage they need. Accessing healthcare can be a challenging prospect for many Americans, especially those who are underinsured or uninsured. Although according to the EMTALA Act, residents here are ensured access to emergency services regardless of their ability to pay or be insured. But accessing non-emergency care is more complicated.

Cost and Administrative Overheads

Generally, healthcare can be expensive irrespective of your region. But with various levels of management sponsorship, the cost is subsidised. As a result, healthcare costs are quite different in the United States & Canada. For example, Canada’s public funding system makes it such that the cost of drug prices is lower compared to the U.S. Also, Canada has fewer doctors per capita compared to the USA. On average, there are 2.2 doctors per 1000 individuals in Canada.

In contrast, the U.S. incurs a higher administrative cost, accounting for 31% of healthcare expenditures, while Canada’s share stands at 16.7%. Furthermore, medical practitioners in the States earn higher incomes compared to Canada. Drugs are more expensive in the USA due to prohibiting systems like Medicaid or Medicare from negotiating drug prices, unlike Canada’s centralised buying by provincial authorities.

Type of Care Covered by Health Insurance

The extent of healthcare services covered remains a primary concern for individuals in both countries, irrespective of the funding source for their healthcare insurance. How these systems are supported in each country determines the type of access to health care services an individual gets.

For example, the universal healthcare system provides coverage to all Canadian residents. The restrictions include surgical and dental benefits coverage, medical practitioners, and hospital services. Moreover, provinces can give insurance for additional services tailored to individual needs, including coverage for home care, prescriptions, long-term care, dental care, mental health services, and other related benefits.

In contrast, healthcare coverage in the United States is predominantly facilitated through private insurance, leading to a considerable disparity in coverage determined by the agreed-upon benefits and policies. This variance results in various possibilities depending on the type of benefits and policies individuals have chosen. But with the introduction of the Affordable Care Act and Patient Protection in 2010, individuals no longer need to secure a minimum essential coverage. It’s also mandatory that insurers cover significant health benefits.

Primary Health Care Delivered

General practitioners (GPs) or primary care providers play a crucial role in both the U.S. and Canada. However, there is also a pressing need for essential medical providers in both countries. But there is a need for vital medical providers in the U.S. & Canada. And even with the few medical providers available for primary care, many are employed by small private institutions or self-employed. In Canada, about half of the practising physicians are general practitioners. These individuals act as the gatekeepers for health care services. Also, patients are not responsible for the cost of the physician services provided the health care plan covers the services.

But in the States, their primary care physician accounts for about one-third of all medicine specialists. Unlike in Canada, primary care physicians don’t have a formal gatekeeping function. Rather patients have the freedom to choose a doctor. And in the U.S., physicians’ pay is negotiated through fees with a private insurer, set fees, and capitation through a private insurer. Nevertheless, patients are still responsible for certain portions of the payment, unlike those who qualify for a waiver, reduced fees, or those who are uninsured.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the U.S. and Canadian Health Care System

The healthcare system in the States. & Canada could be better. There is still room for improvements and innovations. However, perspectives on the strengths & weaknesses differ based on individual experiences & opinions.

Both healthcare systems have their strengths and weaknesses.

Conclusion

To sum up, this article is a simplified overview of the healthcare system in the U.S. & Canada. The healthcare industry is very complex and can vary based on different criteria. Assuming the healthcare system in the U.S. is better than Canada or vice versa opens up doors to several dialogues. But both countries have federal agencies dedicated to balancing industry innovation & protection through competition.

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Integrating healthcare services into casino environments like a no deposit free bonus mobile casino will help players get a supportive environment that prioritises their well-being. The concept of casino healthcare is broad, and in this article, we will explore its basics.

What Is Casino Healthcare?

The term casino healthcare is a concept that refers to the help casino players get when they are experiencing problem gambling. This help casino players get can come from the casino operator or a specialised body committed to helping people with compulsive gambling.

Casino healthcare must be emphasised more as they play a crucial role in ensuring casino remains a safe and fun environment. With casino healthcare in place, players can always get the help they need whenever they think their gambling activity is becoming a problem. There are several ways casino healthcare can help players. But before we delve into that, let’s first discuss the

Understanding Gambling Addiction

Compulsive gambling is an uncontrollable urge to gamble. The specific frequency and type of game a compulsive gambler gets addicted to vary. Compulsive gambling can start the first time a player places a wager, or it could be a gradual process that progresses into addiction over time.

According to information from the National Council on Problem Gambling, about 2% of Americans have a compulsive gambling issue. The duration in which it takes an individual to develop compulsive gambling varies. However, the chances of an individual developing problem gambling are higher when the individual continuously engages in one form of gambling or the other.

What Are the Symptoms of Gambling Addiction?

Generally, people with gambling addiction tend to feel shy about it. But it’s a compulsion that’s hard to hide. Most people with gambling addiction often have the mindset they are in control over their actions. You can use numerous symptoms to tell if someone has a compulsive gambling issue. If you notice anyone display any of the following behaviour, it’s a sign they might be dealing with gambling addiction:

1. Neglecting expenses and bills
2. Obsessing over a type of game
3. Avoiding commitment and working to gamble
4. Lying about gambling
5. Feeling guilty after gambling
6. Gambling to improve life
7. Taking higher risks while gambling
8. Failing to control gambling urges
9. Stealing to gamble
10. Gambling more than you can afford

A moderate level of gambling, especially when it’s under control, is acceptable. But when gambling becomes compulsive, it can lead to losing relationships and friendships. Excessive gambling can also lead to losing jobs, homes, cars, and possessions. To prevent the extremes of gambling problems, seeking early help is essential.

Casino Healthcare Treatment Approaches

Compulsive gambling can be managed, but the proper treatment approach is necessary. Unlike other types of gambling addiction, the object of compulsive gambling is not a necessity. Developing a healthy and balanced relationship with money should help anyone with compulsive gambling. The compulsive gambling problem is treated in a similar method as other addictions. So below are some common approaches casino healthcare uses to help anyone with compulsive gambling issues.

Inpatient Rehabilitation Program

This treatment approach is one where the individual gets admitted into a treatment facility. However, this approach is not often required. But this treatment program is recommended for individuals with chronic gambling issues. The stay at the facility can be anywhere from 30 days and above.

Outpatient Rehabilitation Program

The outpatient treatment approach is common in helping people with compulsive gambling issues. This program requires individuals to attend classes at a facility. Also, one-on-one therapy and group sessions may follow with this treatment program. But the keynote about this program is that you will continue living at home while dealing with compulsive gambling.

Twelve Step Program

The twelve-step or gambling anonymous program is set up to help people with gambling issues who can’t afford the cost of a more intensive rehab option. This treatment program follows the same treatment approach as Alcoholics Anonymous. With this treatment program, you meet with group members once or more per week.

Cognitive or Psychotherapy Behavioral Therapy

In addition to taking advantage of group sessions, individuals with compulsive gambling issues may benefit from one-on-one therapy sessions with a professional. Often gambling addiction stems from avoidance and emotional problems. In such cases, counselling can help individuals deviate from self-destructive patterns.

Medication

Sometimes medication may be necessary to help overcome compulsive gambling urges. Some individuals are dealing with problem gambling due to an underlying mental issue. For example, bipolar disorder. In such a case, medication is essential to help manage the underlying condition.

Lifestyle Changes

Making simple changes like lifestyle changes is another helpful approach that can help individuals with compulsive gambling issues. For example, turning financial responsibilities to a spouse, family member, or a trusted friend can be very helpful. Also, avoid places that trigger gambling urges, such as sporting events, casinos, etc.

Role of Casinos in Promoting Healthy Gambling Habits

Casinos also play an essential role in promoting healthy gambling habits. To ensure players don’t become addicted to gambling, here are some proactive steps casinos take:

Responsible Gambling Policies

Casinos understand there’s a potential for their players to become addicted to gambling. As such, they have responsible gambling policies which educate their players on the risks associated with gambling. These policies include limiting deposits, providing gambling help resources, etc.

Self-Exclusion Program

If a player notices gambling is becoming an issue, casinos have a self-exclusion program. This program allows players to voluntarily take control of their gambling habits and take a break from gambling for a specific duration.

Age Verification

Young people are more likely to develop a gambling problem. As such, casinos enforce a strict age verification process to prevent underage gambling. This policy ensures that only individuals of legal gambling age can register and make deposits and withdrawals from the platform.

Staff Training

Casinos also ensure their staff, mainly customer services, undergo training to help them identify players with problem gambling. Customer support is trained to intervene and offer assistance when they notice concerning and excessive behaviour.

Support and Referral Services

Another way casinos can help ensure a safe gambling environment for players is by partnering with reputable local addiction treatment centres, helplines, or counselling services. This partnership ensures players get access to immediate resources and support whenever they need it.

What Support Resources Are Available

If you or someone you know has a compulsive gambling issue, it’s essential to seek help from a professional. There are several organisations providing information about compulsive gambling and treatment programs.

• National Council on Problem Gambling
• GamCare
• Debtors Anonymous
• GambleAware
• Gamblers Anonymous

There are some resources and organisations you can find helpful information about compulsive gambling.

Benefits and Challenges of Casino Healthcare

Treating compulsive gambling can be challenging, but casino healthcare centres and resources streamline seeking help.

While casino healthcare offers various advantages, it has its fair share of challenges.

Conclusion

In summary, while casinos take the responsibility to ensure players get to gamble in a safe environment, the ultimate responsibility lies with the player. Casino healthcare represents a unique approach to dealing with compulsive gambling issues. By intervening and integrating prevention measures, treatment, and support services, this healthcare approach can create a safe environment for casino users. While there are challenges with this concept, its potential benefits make it worthwhile to explore further.

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The Most Common Health Insurance Claims in America

Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders

Mental health and substance use disorders have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, leading to a significant rise in health insurance claims for these conditions. These claims often involve treatment for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and addiction to drugs or alcohol. The increased awareness and acceptance of mental health issues have contributed to the growth in claims, as individuals seek professional help to address these concerns.

Injuries and Accidents

Accidental injuries, such as falls, car accidents, and sports-related injuries, are another common category of health insurance claims. These incidents often result in emergency room visits, surgeries, and rehabilitation, leading to high medical costs that necessitate insurance coverage. In some cases, preventive measures, such as wearing seat belts and helmets, can help reduce the frequency and severity of these injuries, ultimately lowering health insurance claims in this category.

Chronic Conditions

Chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, are responsible for a significant portion of health insurance claims in the United States. The management and treatment of these illnesses can be costly and time-consuming, with many patients requiring ongoing care, medications, and therapies. The rise in chronic conditions is, in part, due to an aging population, unhealthy lifestyles, and a lack of access to preventive care.

Prescription Medications

Prescription medication costs have skyrocketed in recent years, leading to an increase in health insurance claims related to these expenses. As more people turn to prescription drugs to manage their health conditions, the burden on insurance companies grows. This trend has spurred ongoing debates about the need for drug pricing reform and greater transparency in the pharmaceutical industry.

The Surprising Connection Between Health Insurance Claims and Online Casino Bonuses

While it may seem unrelated, the rise in health insurance claims has an unexpected connection to the world of online casinos. As Americans continue to grapple with the financial strain of healthcare costs, many are turning to online casinos for a chance to win big and offset these expenses. The lure of attractive bonuses and promotions has only intensified this trend.

The Appeal of Online Casino Bonuses

Online casinos have gained significant popularity in recent years, thanks in part to their enticing bonuses and promotions. These offers, such as sign-up bonuses, deposit matches, and free spins, encourage new players to join and existing players to continue their patronage. For those struggling with mounting healthcare costs, these bonuses can represent a potential source of extra income or financial relief.

The Role of Online Casino Bonuses in Health Insurance Claims

While it’s important to note that online gambling should not be seen as a solution to financial challenges, the connection between health insurance claims and online casino bonuses highlights an interesting trend. As Americans face increasing healthcare expenses and insurance claims, many are seeking alternative ways to generate income and alleviate financial stress. The draw of online casino bonuses, with their potential for life-changing payouts, has become an appealing option for some individuals.

The most common health insurance claims in America – mental health and substance use disorders, injuries and accidents, chronic conditions, and prescription medications – reflect the nation’s ongoing struggles with healthcare costs and access to care. As these claims continue to rise, it is essential for policymakers, healthcare providers, and the public to work together to address the root causes and implement preventive measures.

In a surprising twist, the growing popularity of online casino bonuses has become intertwined with this trend, as individuals grappling with healthcare costs seek alternative sources of income or financial relief. While it is crucial to emphasize that online gambling should not be considered a viable solution to financial challenges, the connection between health insurance claims and online casino bonuses underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the nation’s healthcare crisis. This includes exploring innovative ways to reduce healthcare costs, expand access to care, and promote overall well-being.

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Understanding the Canadian Healthcare System

Before diving into the details of health insurance plans, it’s essential to understand how the Canadian healthcare system works. Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system, known as Medicare, which covers most essential medical services. While this system provides a solid foundation, there are gaps in coverage, necessitating the need for private health insurance.

Private health insurance can help you cover the cost of services not included in the public system, such as dental care, prescription medications, vision care, and more. There are two primary types of private health insurance in Canada: group insurance, usually offered through an employer, and individual insurance, which you can purchase directly from an insurance provider.

Important Factors to Consider When Choosing Health Insurance

• Coverage: The most crucial factor to consider when choosing health insurance is the coverage it provides. Ensure the plan covers essential services, such as dental care, prescription medications, vision care, and other services that are not included in the public system. Keep in mind that some plans offer varying levels of coverage, so it’s essential to review the details carefully.
• Deductibles and Co-payments: When comparing plans, it’s essential to understand the deductibles and co-payments associated with each option. A deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before the insurance company begins covering expenses. Co-payments are the portion of the cost that you are responsible for when receiving medical services. Lower deductibles and co-payments generally translate to higher premiums, so it’s essential to balance these costs with your budget.
• Network of Providers: Another critical factor to consider is the network of healthcare providers associated with a plan. Some insurance companies have preferred providers, which can limit your choices when seeking medical care. Make sure the plan you choose includes a wide range of healthcare providers to ensure you have access to the care you need.
• Pre-existing Conditions: If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it’s crucial to find an insurance plan that will cover your needs. Some plans may have waiting periods or exclusions for pre-existing conditions, so make sure you understand the terms before committing to a policy.
• Premiums: The cost of insurance premiums is a significant factor in selecting a health insurance plan. Keep in mind that higher premiums usually provide more comprehensive coverage, while lower premiums may come with limited benefits. Consider your financial situation and the level of coverage you need to strike the right balance.

Unconventional Perks – Online Casino Bonuses

While the primary focus when choosing health insurance should be on the coverage and cost, some insurance providers offer additional perks and benefits that can make their plans more attractive. One such perk is the inclusion of online casino bonuses.

In an effort to stand out in a competitive market, some insurance companies have partnered with online casinos to provide their policyholders with exclusive bonuses, such as free spins or match deposit bonuses. This perk can be a fun way to unwind and enjoy some entertainment while benefiting from the security of a comprehensive health insurance plan.

To take advantage of these perks, look for insurance providers that have partnerships with reputable online casinos. Keep in mind that this should not be the primary deciding factor when choosing a health insurance plan, but rather an added bonus that complements an already suitable policy. Always prioritize the essential factors, such as coverage, cost, and provider network, before considering additional perks like online casino bonuses.

Research and Compare

The key to finding the best health insurance plan in Canada is thorough research and comparison. Start by determining your specific needs, such as the level of coverage you require and the services you anticipate needing in the future. This will help you narrow down your options and focus on plans that meet your requirements.

Next, gather information on available plans from multiple insurance providers. This can be done online or by speaking with an insurance broker. Make sure to compare each plan’s coverage, deductibles, co-payments, provider network, and premiums. Don’t forget to factor in any additional perks or benefits, such as online casino bonuses, that may be included with certain plans.

Finally, read reviews and testimonials from other policyholders to gain insight into the quality of service and customer support provided by the insurance company. This can help you make an informed decision and choose a plan that offers both comprehensive coverage and exceptional customer care.

Choosing the right health insurance plan in Canada requires careful consideration of various factors, such as coverage, cost, provider network, and pre-existing conditions. While unconventional perks like online casino bonuses may seem trivial, they can add an extra layer of enjoyment to your insurance policy. The key is to prioritize the essential factors first and then weigh the additional benefits when making your decision. By doing thorough research, comparing plans, and understanding the Canadian healthcare system, you can find a health insurance policy that meets your needs and provides financial security for you and your family.

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According to the Health Council of Canada’s 2010 report “Decisions, Decisions: Family doctors as gatekeepers to prescription drugs and diagnostic imaging in Canada”, the Canadian federal government invested $3 billion over 5 years (2000-2005) in relation to diagnostic imaging and agreed to invest a further $2 billion to reduce wait times. These investments led to an increase in the number of scanners across Canada as well as the number of exams being performed. The number of CT scanners increased from 198 to 465 and MRI scanners increased from 19 to 266 (more than tenfold) between 1990 and 2009. Similarly, the number of CT exams increased by 58% and MRI exams increased by 100% between 2003 and 2009. In comparison to other OECD countries, including the US, Canada’s rates of MRI and CT exams falls somewhere in the middle. However, the Canadian Association of Radiologists claims that as many as 30% of diagnostic imaging scans are inappropriate and contribute no useful information.

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In the U.S., the federal government does not guarantee universal health care to all of its citizens, but health care funded programs help provide for the elderly, disabled, poor, and children. The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Childbirth Act or EMTALA also provides public access to Emergency Services. The EMTALA law forces emergency medical care providers to stabilize a health crisis and cannot deny treatment for lack of proof of insurance coverage or other proof of ability to pay. EMTALA does not relieve the person receiving emergency medical care from the obligation to cover emergency medical care that was not paid for at the time, and the hospital still has the right to pursue any debtor for the cost of the emergency care provided. In Canada, emergency room treatment for legal residents of Canada is not paid for by the patient at the time the service is provided, but is paid for by the government.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 59.3 percent of U.S. citizens have health insurance as it relates to employment, 27.8 percent have public health insurance; nearly 9 percent purchase health insurance directly (there is some overlap in these numbers), and 15.3 percent (45.7 million) were uninsured in 2007. About 25 percent of the uninsured are eligible for government programs but are not enrolled. About one-third of the uninsured live in families earning more than $50,000 a year. A 2003 Congressional Budget Office report showed that many people are uninsured only temporarily, such as after leaving one employer and before a new job. The number of chronically uninsured (uninsured for the entire year) was estimated in 1998 to be between 21 and 31 million people. Another study by the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured found that 59 percent of uninsured adults had been uninsured for at least two years. One indicator of the effects of inconsistent health care coverage on Americans is a study by Health Affairs that concluded that half of personal bankruptcies are related to medical bills. Although other sources dispute this, It is possible that medical debt is the leading cause of bankruptcy in the United States.

Number clinics provide free or low-cost non-emergency care to poor uninsured patients. The National Association of Free Clinics states that its member clinics provide $3 billion in services annually to about 3.5 million patients.

A peer-reviewed comparative study of access to health care in the two countries, published in 2006, found that U.S. residents are one-third less likely to have a regular doctor (80% versus 85%), one-quarter more likely to have unmet health care needs (13% versus 11%), and more than twice as likely to refuse needed medications (1.7% versus 2.6%). The study notes that access problems were “particularly acute for the uninsured U.S. Those without insurance in the U.S. were much less satisfied, less likely to see a doctor, and more likely not to get the care they wanted than Canadians and insured Americans.

Another cross-country study compared access to health care based on immigrant status in Canada and the United States. The results showed that immigrants in both countries had worse access to health care than nonimmigrants.

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In the U.S., direct government funding for health care is limited to Medicare, Medicaid, and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which cover the eligible elderly, the very poor, the disabled, and children. The federal government also runs the Veterans Administration, which assists retired or disabled veterans, their families, and survivors through medical centers and clinics.

The U.S. government also runs the Military Health System. In fiscal year 2007, MHS had a total budget of $39.4 billion and served approximately 9.1 million beneficiaries, including military personnel and their families and retirees and their families. MHS has 133,000 employees, 86,000 military personnel and 47,000 civilians working in more than 1,000 locations worldwide, including 70 inpatient facilities and 1,085 medical, dental and veterans’ clinics.

One study estimates that about 25 percent of the uninsured in the U.S. are eligible for these programs but remain unenrolled; however, extending coverage to all who are eligible remains a complex financial and political problem.

For everyone else, health insurance must be paid for privately. About 59% of U.S. residents have access to health insurance through their employers, though this figure is declining, and coverage as well as expected employee contributions vary widely. Those whose employers do not offer health insurance, as well as those who are self-employed or unemployed, must purchase it themselves. About 27 million of the 45 million uninsured U.S. residents worked at least part-time in 2007, and more than a third were families who earned $50,000 or more a year.

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No Individual Insurance: Canadian critics tend to oppose “two-tier” medicine, but in fact, the U.S. has a tiered system. And despite the hype on both sides of Congress, “Obamacare” maintains the same complex structure, while adding another layer by introducing health-care “exchanges” for uninsured Americans. But most Americans will still have access to health care through various employer-provided or employer-paid health plans; about 50 million seniors and people with disabilities through federal Medicare; another 60 million with the lowest income through state federal Medicaid mechanisms. 

Not universal: In Canada, health care is based on a simple scheme: every legal resident is covered by publicly funded provincial or territorial plans. The individual mandate, derived from Republican precedent in Massachusetts, is strikingly different from Canada’s universality principle. Although Obama’s reforms expand coverage, the individual mandate relies on the fundamental principle of insurance – health care depends on the type of coverage – and it forces Americans to purchase insurance in order to access health care. Americans now have more affordable insurance options and subsidies to cover their costs, and those on the lowest incomes are eligible for public insurance through Medicaid expansion. Yet even though online enrollment for the program began Tuesday, only half of the roughly 40 million who applied will get help. 

Unequal access: Many say Canada has some problems with waiting times and timeliness of care, but all that pales in comparison to how difficult it is to access Medicaid in the United States. But the new law only reinforces the notion that access to health care will depend not on your needs, but on how much you can afford. As for health insurance, the amount of payments will depend on your age, health status, income, and whether you choose bronze, silver, gold, or platinum coverage. In Canada, on the other hand, access to health care is not turned into a competition. 

No cap on spending: The harshest critics of Obama’s reforms argue that it does nothing to address the fundamental problem of controlling spending. In financial terms, the new law only includes a review of Medicare insurance and an expansion of accountable care organizations. But it does not address the problem of general inefficiencies in health care delivery and financing. Governments in Canada know that health care is a big financial responsibility, and they are taking steps to curb rising costs – negotiating with providers, overall budgets for hospitals – that America is not doing. Obama’s reforms are a huge step in reshaping American health care. But like other major reforms of the past, they have entrenched the private nature of the system, and the introduction of Canadian-style health care or public insurance is probably unlikely to be achieved. Bottom line: the Canadian health care system is many times better than the system in the United States.”

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In 2017, Canada spent about 10.4% of its GDP on health care. By comparison, the United States spent about 17.2% of its GDP. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) estimates that Canada spent about $4500 per person in 2017. In the United States, that figure exceeds $10,200 per person. Out-of-pocket spending is also lower in Canada. On average, Canadians spent about $650 per person in 2016; Americans spent nearly $1,100.

In addition to having lower health care costs in Canada, the country also has better health outcomes than the U.S. But compared to other countries, Canada’s health care system has room to grow. Researchers looked at mortality rates that could have been prevented with proper access to health care in 11 countries. Canada ranked seventh on the list, while America ranked worst. We can see the same trends in infant mortality rates. Canada outperforms the U.S., but other countries, such as Sweden and Australia, have much lower infant mortality rates than Canada.

Canadians also live longer than Americans. Life expectancy in Canada is one of the highest of any country and nearly four years higher than in the United States. In addition, maternal mortality rates in Canada are almost four times lower than in the United States, and more Americans die of heart disease and stroke than Canadians.

So how does Canada manage to spend less money than the United States while having a more efficient health care system?
Canada’s Medicare program is designed to provide the same quality of care to all citizens regardless of people’s ability to pay and to reduce administrative costs. There is some variation in what services are covered depending on the province, but most basic services are equally available to all residents.

Prescription drugs are not covered, nor are dental care, mental health services, or optometry. Therefore, most Canadians also buy private health insurance through their employers to pay out-of-pocket costs. However, they cannot use this private insurance to purchase government-covered services. In 2015, private insurance costs accounted for about 30% of health care spending in Canada.

Although most health care is publicly funded, most hospitals and doctors’ offices are privately owned. Doctors who own their own private practices are considered contractors who bill the government insurance fund for their services. The government is not their boss.

Despite affordability, the system has some problems Waiting times in Canada are longer than in the U.S. In a 2016 survey, 53% of Canadians said they couldn’t get an appointment the same or next day they were sick and needed medical advice. The United States fared slightly better, with 42% dissatisfied. Of the 11 countries surveyed, Canada performed worst in this category. 30% of Canadians said they waited two months or longer to see a specialist, compared with 6% in the United States.

Nearly one in five Canadians waited four months or longer for elective surgery, compared with only 4% of respondents in the United States. About 60% of Canadians have difficulty accessing medical care in the evenings, weekends and holidays. This wait can lead to an excessive workload in the emergency department.

Half of Canadians say they have waited two hours or more when they desperately need help. Not all medical care is covered in Canada, resulting in significant personal costs, such as prescription drugs.

There are social programs that help Canadians pay for medications, but benefits vary by province. For example, Ontario provides prescription drug coverage for young people under the age of 24 who don’t have private insurance.

The province also has a drug program for people over the age of 65. That said, Canada spends about the same amount as the United Kingdom on drugs, despite the fact that the latter has twice the population. Canadians spent about $670 per capita on drugs in 2015, while the U.S. spent $1,000.

One in 10 Canadians didn’t get a prescription or chose to skip a dose because of the cost. This is much better than in the United States, where nearly one in five people chose not to buy drugs because of cost.

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