Why Does the U.S. Lag in Healthcare System Reform Compared to Canada?

America’s healthcare system and its Canadian counterpart are vastly different, largely due to differing priorities and historical contexts. This article will explore the reasons behind these differences and discuss the merits of adopting a universal healthcare system in the United States.

The Canadian Universal Health Care System

Canada's universal health care system was designed to provide accessible and affordable healthcare to all its residents. Unlike the U.S. system, which is profit-driven, Canada's system is public service driven. The Canadian healthcare system provides coverage for medical and hospital services, eliminating the need for patients to sell assets like their homes to pay for treatment.

The U.S. Profit-Driven Health Care System

The U.S. healthcare system, on the other hand, is primarily focused on making money. The deeply entrenched and highly profitable insurance industry serves as a significant barrier to reform. This industry benefits immensely from the current system, which includes insurance companies, hospital shareholders, and other stakeholders.

Misconceptions and Ideology

One of the primary reasons for the resistance to change in the U.S. is the prevalent belief that universal healthcare is somehow associated with old-school Soviet ideology. However, the idea of socialized healthcare is far from the “pinko commie” rhetoric. In fact, the United States already has many socialized services, such as public highways, public schools, and police and fire departments.

Consequences of the Current U.S. Healthcare System

The current U.S. healthcare system is incredibly costly and often results in financial ruin for those who fall ill. For instance, without proper insurance, a serious illness can lead to massive medical debts that can send a family into bankruptcy. This risk is particularly acute for those who do not have comprehensive insurance coverage.

The Canadian Healthcare Experience

While the Canadian system also has its challenges, it still offers a stark contrast to the U.S. When faced with a serious illness, the risk of economic ruin is significantly lower. However, the wait times for specialized care in Canada can be prohibitively long. The typical wait time to see a specialist is one year, which can be detrimental to patient outcomes. Furthermore, six million Canadians do not have a family doctor, and wait times for appointments can extend up to eight years in some provinces.

These long wait times can result in preventable illnesses becoming more severe, leading to additional wait times and potential fatal consequences. Statistics from Quebec indicate that some Canadians have indeed died as a direct result of prolonged wait times.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the lack of universal healthcare in the U.S. stems from a combination of greed, ideology, and a lack of public understanding of the benefits of such a system. The U.S. healthcare system is unsustainable in its current form, and the plight of those who fall ill without proper coverage is a testament to this fact. Adopting a more equitable and accessible healthcare system that prioritizes the health of its citizens over profit could be a significant step towards a healthier and more just society.