Canadians know with certainty that when we inevitably need to rely on our health system, our stay in a hospital or our visit to a doctor will be covered. In Canada, all citizens, regardless of pre-existing conditions or income, have access to comprehensive coverage of medically necessary services without deductibles, co-pays or maximum dollar limits. The Canada Health Act ensures this.
Like most modern health care systems, the bulk of Canada’s health services are publicly financed with tax revenues. The remainder of services — about 30 percent, such as pharmaceuticals, dental care and eye exams — is paid by private insurance and out-of-pocket payments. Many Canadians have access to private insurance coverage for these kinds of services through employer-based private insurance plans.
Although Canadians face wait times for some health care services, Canada is successfully working to reduce wait times through innovations in the publicly-funded system. These innovations include expanding roles for some health care providers, promoting health and wellness, and using technology to increase efficiency.
The case for publicly funded health care is supported by research on patient outcomes. A 2007 study compared Canadian and American patients with the same diagnosis. It found that the Canadians had at least as good an outcome — and in many situations, a better health outcome — as their American counterparts. Most interesting is the fact that Canada spent a little more than US$3,678 per individual in 2006 while the U.S. spent $6,714. We spend less in Canada, but are just as, if not more, healthy.
Major health organizations in Canada agree that accessibility to care, collaborative practice and patient safety are all better served by publicly funded, not-for-profit health care services. It is that kind of health care system that has served Canadians well. And it is that kind of system that continues to make us proud.
Kaaren Neufeld is an RN and works as Chief Quality Officer for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. She is a member of Fort Garry Mennonite Fellowship in Winnipeg.
