How Canada's Universal Health-Care System Works

Canada's health-care system is playing a larger role in America's political discourse as the 2020 presidential elections heat up. Progressives on the left love pointing to Canada as an equitable and efficient health care system. Conservatives use Canada as an example when warning about the dangers of socialized medicine and unchecked bureaucracy. So how exactly is medicare working in Canada and how does it compare to the United States?
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How Canada's Universal Health-Care System Works

[@kennyho6821]

Our biggest expense during my wife's labour in Toronto was the parking.

[@fakename3168]

But overall you paid for it in your taxes

[@Benjiefrenzy]

@@fakename3168 Yeah. That's how it works.

[@nsr_nate3616]

Fake Name you’re technically right, but your oversimplifying it. In the USA you may be paying the same amount of tax as someone in Canada but still have to pay for healthcare. Our system helps people who cannot afford healthcare in America to be able to live a healthy life for free. 41% of working age Americans say they have issues with medical debt so your insurance companies are not helping.

[@caroline10081]

@@fakename3168 Canadian provincial taxes cover a lot of health and education costs. US citizens pay higher property taxes to live in good school districts or they homeschool. Canadian property taxes are usually 1% or less. A basic way to compare would be to add up federal, state, and property taxes plus 80% of health premiums. You'll find that the average Canadian does not pay more than the average American but a high income Canadian will pay much more than an American unless that American live in a million dollar home in a high tax area like Boston.

[@multivisao]

Fake Name people here are so misinformed....taxes in the US are significantly lower than Canada.

[@MavenCree]

I'm tired about this crap line about waiting forever for service in Canada. If you NEED to see a doctor, you see a doctor right away. If you are doing something elective, you can wait a bit. Our access system is based on NEED. US access is based on GREED.

[@yolamontalvan9502]

MavenCree Guys, you forget that the US has to invest in wars all over the world, they need to build the biggest aircraft carriers and the best nuclear sub and airplane. Trump’s Space Force needs money to build a Death Star. Canada invest in Canada. China invest in China. The USA invest in death. There is profit in death. There is no profit in healthy people, that’s the Republican Socialism.

[@gilliansernich9267]

Yola Montalvan That's not socialism! That is raw corporate greed. Democratic socialism is what your country has needed for a very, very long time. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren are the folks you need to elect.

[@charlesearp6133]

@@gilliansernich9267 There are actually several other candidates with Medicare for All plans.

[@trinastull6809]

I love our healthcare system. Could it be better? Yes, most things can improve. But, I will choose it every time over the US way.

[@jequanbaugh2686]

Good one need not greed

[@chrisdyson1164]

I’ve lived in Canada my entire life and have never heard our health system called medicare.

[@purplemonkeydishwasher9360]

Sounds made up.

[@dantruong2582]

I am in Alberta and I never heard this either.

[@kahsindra]

Me neither.

[@nmond014]

Yeah we just call it our rights as human beings!

[@mightymoose1158]

@Thomas Chisholm There are some specialists that are rare. Ie my partner who had Lyme disease had a US doctor in addition to her Canadians doctors. There are also differences in legislation that can be problematic sometimes. Ie treatment not available in Cda. And sometimes the wait times can be too long. In my experience though the wait times have improved in recent years after they made a push to address it.

[@paulocampos6052]

As a Canadian, I never have to chose between my house or a procedure that will save my life. Everything else is just inconvenience.

[@seanwebb605]

Choose.

[@rantym35]

US you need to give house away

[@somejuanidk7674]

Let’s talk about the wait times though! It’s free but doesn’t mean it’s any better

[@seanwebb605]

@@somejuanidk7674 Wait times for some procedures. Rather than no access to primary care at all or losing your home caring for a family member with a severe illness.

[@somejuanidk7674]

@@seanwebb605 yes but most procedures can’t wait. Who’s leading in medical advancements again!?

[@SkepticalChris]

As a Canadian, I know our system isn't perfect, but lets face it, despite the red tape and much waiting, no Canadian has to measure life vs bankruptcy. Any Canadian would rather have their own system, than the American one.

[@yugiohpokemon5285]

Skeptical Chris in America I pay 30 a month for insurance and I pay nothing when I get treatment

[@zoephin6205]

@Skeptical Chris "Survey research commissioned by the Canadian government found that despite having a government-run health system, medical reasons (including uninsured expenses), were cited as the primary cause of bankruptcy by approximately 15 percent of bankrupt Canadian seniors (55 years of age and older)."

[@julianwang2166]

@@zoephin6205 Most healthcare related bankruptcies related to healthcare in Canada are due to lack of coverage, meaning that many services like dentists, optometry, prescription drugs and more aren't covered. In fact, Ontario is rolling in a dental plan for seniors.

[@zoephin6205]

@Jandthejuls Chris said "no Canadian has to measure life vs bankruptcy". I said 15% do, and you AGREE.

[@julianwang2166]

@@zoephin6205 I admit that my country's healthcare system has problems. Trust me, I've been to the ER before and had to wait hours just to see a doctor. But, Canada's system is better than America's.

[@hassanabdile4060]

No such thing as a patient in the US. You’re a customer.

[@TheJimprez]

Don't worry, Its the new term we use here too. A CLIENT!

[@kaiyu21]

Facts!!

[@juliancalero8012]

At least we get help from the government with our money, I'm from the UK

[@TheJimprez]

@@juliancalero8012 I'm from Canada.. Same here. And starting last night, an 8pm to 5am curfew in Quebec. All the bars, restaurant dining rooms, theaters and showrooms are closed anyways. NOT AN ISSUE..

[@TheJimprez]

@Co-Bruh Its YOU guys' fault. You always vote against a single-payer, universal health care system.. The right scares you into believing its more expensive AND its socialist.. Why do you think they do that? How much do you think that the insurance, big-pharma and hospital administrators would LOSE if they couldn't skim off the top of everything? I am a Canadian and every time I hear a counter argument I think.. They REALLY believe that load of crap? I mean there are MOUNTAINS of evidence that support OUR way over the US way.. And then I remember how easily the MAGA crowd was made to believe the most insane lies. .Time after time. And I get it.. You can't fix stupid.

[@dawnwarren1714]

The big thing about Canada’s Health care is that if you are seriously ill, it doesn’t cause bankruptcy or hardship. We take care of the poor as any wealthy industrial nation should!

[@tonyj8947]

I dont know of anyone that went bamkrupt because of medical bills. Do you really think people and especially sick senior citizens that are in hospitals for weeks at a time have loads of cash sitting around for healthcare. Stop listening to the media.

[@ProudCommie]

@@tonyj8947 the US is trash. healthcare is a RIP OFF in the US

[@juliehunt795]

@@tonyj8947 I do know of someone, a Canadian visiting friends in the U.S., who had to have an emergency surgical procedure and subsequently had to sell the house in Canada to pay the bill.

[@tonyj8947]

@@juliehunt795 Shame on Canada for not paying the bill. My Canadien aunt had surgery in the US and paid nothing. All it took was a phone call to Canada. People on the US dont sell their homes its BS exaggerating. There are not to exceed out of pocket costs. Depending on insurance its maximum is about 5k-6k for the year.

[@arpansarkar174]

@@tonyj8947 they do and dont go bankrupt. If you cant pay the medical bill in US. The court will either order you for bankrupt or make your kid,your grand kid,you grand grand kid to pay...

[@MeMyPCandI]

Canada has walk in clinics to go to on the weekends or after hours.. not just emergency rooms.. just saying

[@inkathebadger]

I find YMMV depending on where you live. My hometown didn't have clinics (outside of a couple specialized ones for pediatrics or sexual health), the city I am in has a lot more options.

[@Canadagraphs]

In larger cities, yes. But if you live in a mid-sized or smaller town, the emergency room of the closest hospital is usually the only choice. I live in a major downtown core, and still cant find a walk in clinic after about 10 PM, and when I lived in a city of 20K, closest service was the local hospital, regardless of the time of day, as there was no walk in clinic there. All those small hiccups aside, I'll take our mildly imperfect system over a day in the American system any time.

[@gabbyvelasquez3767]

this! if i couldnt see the doctor and the hospital seemed too intense for what i had id just go to the walk-in clinic, get a prescription and call it a day!

[@enrique4693]

I went in to one of them as US citizen visiting Toronto as tourist. Had a bad infection case. 100 Canadian dollars bought me a doctor check up and antibiotics treatment. Amazing.

[@Shelora]

True that.

[@ziadkhalaf198]

As a Canadian who worked in the US I have this to say. My dad had a heart surgery with complications and he ended up staying at the hospital for 7 weeks. He was given a room with an extra bed so we can stay with him overnight. He had many procedures done and received amazing care from great professionals. When he finally left the hospital I asked how much he roughly charged the system I was told about 120 K. We paid ZERO! He survived and lived another 10 years and I kept donating every year to that hospital and never stop talking about our experience. GOD BLESS CANADA!

[@BMWSRR-yd6do]

Dude, come on... we pay ... with the top income tax brackets in all of North America....That's right.... 50 States v.s 10 provinces, we occupy the top 10 highest taxes paid on personal income...49-53%... but it gets worst, to pay those rates, you only need to earn over $155k USD... in the USA to pay the highest possible income tax you need to earn over $550k... and check this out it's 33% Fed tax, highest State tax is 13% California lowest is 0% in Florida... so their top tax rates are 33% to 46% AFTER you earn $550k... Stop saying "CDN Health care is Free"... BTW, don't forget about that little 13-15% GST thing we pay either...F.cuk no wonder people go and clog ERs with a sniffle or a cough - IT'S FREE, thanks to idiots like you

[@ziadkhalaf198]

@John Doe WE the Canadian tax payers work hard to create a healthy society for ALL and we do get that trust me!

[@thatbluegirl7528]

Ziad Khalaf WOW!!! That's awesome! This is mind blowing for an American (like myself) to hear.

[@tonyj8947]

@@ziadkhalaf198 Really. I went to see my uncle in a Toronto hospital and there was a huge shortage of nurses. One nurse for 25 patients is garbage service. You get what you pay for.

[@p1username]

@@tonyj8947 Many studies have been done. Canadian healthcare has far better outcomes than the US. That doesn't even count all the people that don't get any healthcare at all in the States. Or all the people that have to stick to the crapy job they hate for fear of loosing their healthcare. Or worry and scrambling to get ripped by COBRA if you do lose your job like so many more of you have recently. Or just plain going bankrupt because you get sick. Or not being able to go to any doctor you want. You have no idea why there were only one nurse for 25 patients that day. US patients DON'T get what they pay for, the billionaires take your money and laugh at you. So does the rest of the developed world. How sad.

[@craigt9415]

In Canada, I book an appointment to see me doctor, I show my health card when I arrive, see my doctor and I go home. Sure our ER lines can take a few hours depending how busy the Hospital is but American politicians act like Canadians are dying in the lobby waiting for treatment which is far from the truth. I'm certain 100% of Canadians rather wait an hour or two for treatment than wonder how they will be able to afford it or not go at all.

[@KelvinNiv]

Agreed

[@TV-xv1le]

I had a big gash and required stitches on my head. I still had to wait almost 2 hours in the US. People act like we just walk in and get help right away in the US. That cant be further from the truth.

[@sissiqi671]

Agree

[@paulthomas9911]

www.medpagetoday.com/cardiology/acutecoronarysyndrome/18279. Danny Williams knew where to go.

[@yolandag8436]

I once waited almost 2 hrs to be seen here in the U S as well

[@betty5064]

When a Canadian doctor said to me some years ago, "I'm afraid it is cancer", he added, "Are you doing anything on Tuesday?" So Tuesday, after the weekend, was surgery . I'm not complaining.

[@Portrait_ninja]

Same thing when I was having gall bladder attacks. I had one while I was in Québec and it took them longer to process my Ontario health card than it did to get me admitted and on a pain drip. I saw a doctor in my town two days later and he looked at his schedule saw that it was booked. Got up went to his secretary came back and said: Come in Thursday at lunch say you're having an attack and I'll see you then. He did my surgery instead of taking lunch. That's how great our system is.

[@Lovey971]

We are pretty good at cancer, not that quick at joint replacements.

[@ryanmcphee2469]

@@Lovey971 yeah. Our healthcare system is great when it is needed right a way, like if you have something that is dangerous to your life you will have top priority, and get your treatment right a way. If it isn’t dangerous to your health you have to wait years at points to get your treatment

[@davidjorgensen877]

​@@ryanmcphee2469 Very true, but that is the result of needing to balance universality with efficiency with cost. When a procedure is high-priority, all available resources are directed toward it immediately, but that means lower priority procedures must be slotted into a queue based on resource availability. It may be inconvenient for patients with non-life-threatening conditions, but they do eventually get treatment, and without risking bankruptcy, which is a far better situation than patients dying because they can't afford insurance. Any system can be improved, but Canada's current priority/wait-time/cost balance is far more logical, efficient, and ethical than the private U.S. system. In a rich and civilized country, being poor should not deprive anyone of needed medical attention.

[@squeet6831]

Lol are you doing anything on Tuesday? Yeah I'm going to watch a movie. It is toonie Tuesday after all. And then I'll get the toonie Tuesday KFC combo for dinner. Alright.. Sounds like you're super busy. We can deal with the cancer later lol

[@Dear--Leader]

I can't imagine having a medical diagnosis and wondering if you could afford treatment. I hope I never get really ill, but I will never complain about paying taxes so someone else doesn't have to worry about a medical bill.

[@kenattaway721]

I am a US citizen who has lived in Canada since 2004 as a Permanent Resident. Because of the excellent health care here in Nova Scotia, I can't imagine going back to the US to live. In America, worry about health care is constant; here in Canada, I never worry about it because it is always available to me. Canadians are justifiably proud of their health care system.

[@bumperxx1]

Hey guess what you did something that none of the Hollywood stars said they would do if Donald Trump became president.

[@anthonyroberts2678]

How did you get permenant residency? Do you have a special status?

[@kenattaway721]

@@anthonyroberts2678 With the help of Premier Pat Binns, one of our neighbours, we were got Provincial Nominations from the PEI government. The federal government accepted us as Permanent Residents. The process took about 18 months. We submitted loads of paperwork. We had no special status until we got the Provincial Nomination. We were fortunate because we were already in our mid-60's.

[@kenattaway721]

@@anthonyroberts2678 I did not have a lot of money...just retirement and some savings...we did have a home on PEI...bought it 3 years before getting our status...I have no idea if that helped us.

[@markh9940]

I'm jealous. Man I would love to move to Canada.

[@birgitmitchell5873]

I have had 3 surgeries in the last 10 years, and prior to that my husband died of a 17 month battle with cancer. I have now retired and am living comfortably with all my savings intact. Had we been living in the US, I would have been broke after my husband died and I probably wouldn't have been able to afford my surgeries. I would probably be dead now.

[@BMWSRR-yd6do]

Birgit, if you or husband worked and retired with a company pension, you would likely have medical health insurance with it...So your example is from what the USA media tells people - "If you are elderly and sick, you go broke in America"...it is just not really accurate...Remember, 67% of Americans have private health care, 30% are covered by Medicare and Medicaid.... No matter what, I can tell you are a feisty and healthy person... All the Best...

[@birgitmitchell5873]

@@BMWSRR-yd6do I would be interested in knowing what your monthly premiums are. When i worked 90% of our customers were American. That's what primarily where i got my information fron. All the best for you as well and stay healthy.

[@kingvolt8694]

birgit mitchell I pay close to nothing and rarely wait. Going well

[@tonyj8947]

You are totally wrong. Do you actually think all Amricans have tons of cash? If you don't have money and no insurance then you go to the non-private hospital for care just like a Canadian. If you have a job most likely your job will share the cost of medical insurance. Private care is much better than any government system. Its obvious that anything from the government is the complete basic. Would you rather have your own home or live in gov't housing?? Well, living in your own home you call the shots, not the government. You will see a doctor in his/her office, you get an mri tomorrow even if not emergency, you go right to the specialist...With the gov't you go to the hospital and that's it.

[@sujohnR]

@@tonyj8947 private care is better than government care. This matters only if there is serious gap between these two in terms of quality and quantity . And in countries which have Medicare , it’s simply not the case. Also don’t you think US can do that too or even better maybe. You won’t give this government home and your own home metaphor when you have to pay a fortune even after insurance sharing the cost and your insurance not covering when you have life threatening diseases. And don’t get me started on the cost of medicines.

[@ashleecantu6470]

Wait a few more minutes in line, but live 4 years longer? Deal!

[@dougthefiddler]

In Canada, no one suffers financial loss due to major medical treatment. Surgery is basically free. I wouldn't trade systems with the US.

[@kirstinaquiline1635]

I live in Canada in British Columbia, I'm here to tell you that our system does work, and it works very well. I pay $30/month for full health coverage, no matter what happens to me. I have never ever in my entire life had a medical bill, i've had 2 babies and a few minor hospital stays. These videos scare you with how much our government pays for universal health care and saying that our government controls us, absolutely not true. Bottom line, we get excellent care here for all and even our private medical services, eg) elective knee surgery, would only cost you about $5,000 and I can't even imagine what it would cost you in the US. Don't believe them when they tell you you have to wait a long time for appointment or specialist appointments, its just not true. This video is very inaccurate and I'm happy to answer any questions and give you the real facts.

[@blitzgaming8hd584]

Ever heard of a anecdotal evidence

[@slingeroftruth]

2 spinal surgeries. Cost 0.00. Wait time for each one week after diagnosis. Medication 0.00. Dr visits $15 copay each. Private employer insurance $50/week. Don't believe what you read either.

[@MidhunS]

I have heard conservatives say the wait times are 2 or 4 times longer than American healthcare. I would like to know if this is the case or not.

[@srinivasdadi3873]

Kirstin Aquiline then why do so many Canadians come to the U.S. for healthcare

[@dustinthomas194]

You pay through your taxes. That’s why you get taxed way more than in the US plus your government does not have close to the US population

[@12from121]

There is no health care debate in any country with "socialised medicine" no one wants the U.S. system

[@tylerbruce9498]

You'll continue to take our life saving drugs though, right? They aren't cheap to develop...

[@12from121]

@@tylerbruce9498 because that is what you heard as some bizarre defence of American healthcare?. Look it up plenty of these dirty commie countries create life saying drugs so you Americans can pay 10x retail as well.

[@tylerbruce9498]

@@12from121 we don't make all of them, no, and I didn't say that. We do make 50-60%. But facts don't really matter do they?

[@12from121]

@@tylerbruce9498 facts do matter which is why this old chestnut is just inaccurate. The effect of price control on R and D is often cited as a defense of the American health care system by conservatives. However this argument ignores two key counterpoints . American drug companies have no issue selling into price control markets at the set price and R and D is often undertaken to open up new market opportunities.. The problem with the supply and demand model as it relates to healthcare is that demand is not dictated by price but rather the will to survive.. Capitalism is great for many aspects of life but not healthcare. Also do you have any evidence to support that 50-60% claim? It does seem a little high and might relate more to patents rather than R+D dollars.

[@PabloGonzalez-hv3td]

Tyler Bruce Healthcare and pharmaceuticals are 2 completely different revenue streams

[@kewitt1]

I broke both my legs 14 surgery, 7 months in a hospital bed, 4 years later I can walk I'm working full time again and I will never pay enough in taxes to cover my costs. Glad I live in Canada. If a Canadian is sick or injured, and they need medical attention, I'm 42 I've never in my life waited more than 2-4 hours, if it critical care aways been faster. I've live in every province from on to bc for at least 2 years.

[@huberticusrex]

As a Canadian living in Canada, I've never once heard anyone call our healthcare Medicare. Its called the healthcare system or public health or by its provincial name. In Ontario its called OHIP

[@GlorieBee218]

In Alberta it's AHS (Alberta Health Services)

[@fcf777]

CNBC is an American network. They did not do enough research on this piece.

[@byronchavarria4954]

I May Want To Go To Canada 🇨🇦 Or Australia 🇦🇺 For Treatments

[@byronchavarria4954]

Saskatchewan Is The Worst Province Because Of Ambulance Fees According To CBC

[@stephenrioux6821]

@@byronchavarria4954Mexico is a more likely bet. They encourage medical tourism and have excellent doctors. British Commonwealth countries have great doctors, but do not support medical tourism.

[@lesliegweir]

As a Canadian, I never worry about the cost of healthcare, I just go to the hospital if I need to.

[@qaisrashid6496]

Amen! Same here in Scotland extremely grateful

[@Ammar88ist]

Yup, then you go again. And then again. Up until your appointment comes up and you can actually see a doctor.

[@qaisrashid6496]

Ammar Anwar in Scotland I’ve never had that issue🤷‍♂️ was at hospital 2am, 7am the next day I was in the surgery room

[@Ammar88ist]

@@qaisrashid6496 well depends on what for... urgent care is immediate everywhere... it is the elective and subacute care that really defines a healthcare system.

[@curtmacquarrie]

@Pam Halpert Pam, yes, so do you. There is no significant difference between emergency room wait times across the OECD on average.

[@srabchun]

I live on the border. US side. My doctor through the hospital network I use wanted to put me on a new medication, but my insurance wouldn’t cover it. Well my hospital network has a program in place where I could go rite over the border to Windsor Ontario and get the prescription at Canadian pharmacy. In the US without coverage for that medication, it was going to cost me $700 for a 30 day supply. In Canada, it cost me $10. I have never met a Canadian that said they hated their system. Nor have a ever heard one mention having to come to the US for treatment. I’m willing to pay higher taxes for a nationalized medical system for all. Because none of us would any longer have to worry about huge out of pocket expenses if anything major happened.

[@Agtsmirnoff]

Name of medication?

[@kauske]

Exactly, prescription drugs might not be covered, but there are price caps in place so that life saving medicine can't cost an arm and a leg in most cases. Some of the stuff still under patent is absolutely stupidly expensive (for reasons that I'm not going to get into, but that's the fault of drug manufacturers more than the govt) but most meds here are dirt cheap compared to US prices.

[@srabchun]

kauske exactly. There are no caps in the US. That was last summer. My ins co wouldn’t cover it cuz it was not available in generic in the US. And name brand was $17 a pill! That’s why I went the Canada route. Now it’s available in generic in the US, so I can get it closer to home. But get this, with ins I pay $20 for a 30 day supply. But if I were to loose my job, I’d also loose my insurance. And that medication would cost me $1564 for a 30 day supply. Because there are no caps. At least the Canadian gov try’s to keep things under control.

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

@@kauske It's not the fault of drug manufacturers, it's the fault of insurance companies. Insurance companies will literally pay anything for drugs so drug companies can charge whatever they want for them. The same would happen with the government except now instead of you paying an insurance premium it comes out of your taxes.

[@smashgodtv1345]

If you want universal healthcare then you pay for it, if I don't want it then don't force me to

[@papabits5721]

There’s no such wait times for critical care period!

[@RS-ls7mm]

He did say it varied on where you are in Canada. Maybe you live in a good province.

[@papabits5721]

@@RS-ls7mm If you had a heart attack or stroke or a bear bit your leg off then your not waiting period regardless of which province one lives. It’s by no means perfect and parking can add up. I am sure there have been instances where this has happened but it not the norm.

[@RS-ls7mm]

@Karl Marx Do you pay higher taxes? Just curious to find the best system.

[@RS-ls7mm]

@Karl Marx Sounds like an excellent place to live.

[@tsubadaikhan6332]

When they talk about wait times, do they include all the Americans that don't even try to see a Doctor or get a Surgery because they know they can't afford it?

[@frankpasini4304]

By law signed by the late President Reagan if you go to the emergency room they are required to treat you.

[@brandonbrown1916]

I JUST said that! lol

[@brandonbrown1916]

@@frankpasini4304 So what? No one wants, or, should have to go into financial ruin. Not to mention, they will minimize your situation to get you out of the door.

[@coreyrees840]

EXACTLY. They always use wait times to try and trash our system. Those who can afford to get taken care of right away typically go to the US and get it taken care of. Not everyone can do that however, so I’d much rather wait and get it for free then to get it right away and spend a few grand out of pocket or to avoid care all together out of fear of cost. People don’t forego treatment here because they can’t afford it, but far too many in the US have to choose between going broke or getting healthy. Should never be

[@coreyrees840]

@@frankpasini4304 minimum care is all they are required to provide which is basically NOTHING

[@diannawilson5743]

Our system in Canada is just fine. If we're sick we don't go bankrupt like you do in the US.

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

Nah you just go bankrupt buying gas for your car or food to feed yourself. Prices in Canada are absolutely insane when compared to American prices.

[@bigboybob333]

Adam Smith, do you have a source to prove this??!

[@loho33]

@@AdamSmith-gs2dv gas and food doesnt make someone go bankrupt. Try again American.

[@nsr_nate3616]

Adam Smith because we pay our workers fair wages so they can live a happy healthy life. People in the USA don’t get paid as much in those kind of jobs so they get sick easier they then are put into debt by your screwed up medical system.

[@chandy3859]

@@AdamSmith-gs2dv you might want to re-learn the definition of going bankrupt. according to google definition "(of a person or organization) declared in law unable to pay outstanding debts." i never heard an already poor person going bankrupt

[@thearsenalmisfit2414]

My dad needed surgery when he lived in the Yukon but it could not be done there so he was put on an airplane and flown 2 hours to Vancouver B.C. that day and operated on the next day and he did not see a single bill for anything. Even the medications were covered. Ill take the Canadian system anyday over the USA. That situation would have put him and my mum in bankruptcy in the USA.

[@martinko4086]

Steve Wismark YOU make it sound like in USA everybody who has a health issues go bankrupt . YOU ARE WRONG !! Please get better education in Canada .

[@thearsenalmisfit2414]

@@martinko4086 if you can't afford the price of the insurance companies in the USA which over 40 million kn the USA can't you go bankrupt or die. My coverage is 1/2 of what yo pay in the USA. My Family of 4 pays a total of just over $10000.00 for the whole year and it will cover any emergency that we have. There is no fighting with the insurance companies over who pays what and what is not covered . I had emergency hernia surgery and spent a week jn hospital. On the day I left the hospital the doctor came to my room and said you are good to go, that was it no papers to sign or oeople to talk to. I just went home to continue my recovery with no stress about anything. Just an intresting fact for you . About 3 or 4 years ago if I remember right 42000 Americans died because they could not afford Healthcare insurance. We take or system very seriously here and protect it from anyone whk tries to mess with it. Any politition that even thinks about messing with it will loose their job and be voted out or not get elected at all. If a bill is put on the floor of the provincal legislature or house of commons it gets voted down immediately because they kniw if they vote in favour of the bill their political careers are over. I am not saying everyone declares bankruptcy but a huge portion of the population have to and that inclueds people who actually have insurance but find out it is not as good as they thought. The cost of Mediczl care is insane and it doesn't take long to rake up huge bills that anyone lower than upper middle class will have trouble paying.

[@martinko4086]

Steve Wismark, lets take your statistic 42000 Americans died because ..... they could afford health insurance , BUT they choose NOT to pay for it .Another statistic, 40000 Americans dies a year in cars accidents , insurance or NOT, they are dead . Your coverage is 1/2 of what I PAY ?? what if I pay ZERO, since I am on Medicare. Is your Canadian insurance cover everything , or you want to lie to me .

[@thearsenalmisfit2414]

@@martinko4086 i would bet you that for most of them it was because they could not afford it. When your young yes you feel like you are invincible but sooner or later that feeling wares off and if you can afford it you get it. If yiu can't afford ut your luck will run out sooner or later. In Canada your payment total is based on your income so if you are under the poverty line you pay next to nothing , you are covered. Not so in the States. You have to pay what the insurance companies want. I will give you this though. When a Canadian traveler goes to the States we get Travel insurance because our heakthcare won't cover the ridiculous cost of healthcare in the USA. Everything there cost twice as much be cause the insurance companies want to make a profit the doctors wantvto make a profit and the hospitals want to make a profit. Here the Hospitals are owned by the government and the the government own the insurance we pay so they only make money yo keep the system uptodate and running. The only part tge government doesn't own is the doctors and their pay us dictated by what their union works out with the govrnment who know it us their best intrest to keep them happy.

[@martinko4086]

@@thearsenalmisfit2414 YOU are WRONG !! AS I said, if you are under poverty line , in the USA , you will get free health coverage from government that include dental, psychiatrist etc .. REST of us CAN afford health insurance based on income , but problem is many people do not consider it priority. They spend money on lottery, gambling , alcohol , drugs, entertainment , shopping for things they do not really need etc .. simply they are making POOR financial decisions !! These kind of people need supervision of government or some kind of baby sitter or financial advisor . I am mature enough to be responsible, and I do refuse to pay big money / unreasonable high taxes .. / for people who are over 18 of age and behave like 5 years old . I lived in socialist country for many years, free education , health care etc .. UNTIL all system collapsed !! I did experienced this "Collectivity " first hand . YOU do not teach me about "free health care " anywhere in the world . Shame on you Canada !!

[@thekman1812]

I grew up in the US but, have lived in Canada for ten years. And from my experience the Canadian health care system is far better and less complicated.

[@FRAME5RS]

While you are largely healthy. Good luck trying to manage several serious health conditions.

[@harrycooper5231]

@@FRAME5RS It would be far worse in the USA. You would need to constantly be getting permission from the insurance company for treatment, plus for each specialist you need to find a in????? doctor (whatever word they use for doctors that the insurance company deems acceptable). Talk about complicated.

[@FRAME5RS]

@@harrycooper5231 Well I live in the US, have commercial insurance, and have no trouble getting in to see a specialist, or treatment. Just haven't had an issue. And you don't wait 6 months to see one either.

[@harrycooper5231]

@@FRAME5RS According to a Gallup poll almost 100 million Americans are putting off necessary healthcare because of cost. So many of those people wait...forever. Add them into the wait times, and suddenly Canadian wait times are way better than American wait times. Also, in Canada we can see any doctor we want. For example, I tore my MCL and ACL, so I found out who the doctor was that did the Vancouver Canuck knees. I asked my GP to send me to that specialist, and that's who repaired my knee. No way you can do that.

[@FRAME5RS]

@@harrycooper5231 Me too. I needed a partial knee replacement but on the lateral side. A rare event. My ortho found a surgeon who could do it and I had it done 40 mi from home. Many people COULD be on Medicaid or fully or partially subsidized care but just don't sign up. Some people have no trouble spending money on beer and pot and eating out, but $150 to get a check up? No way. I work in Healthcare and there's a parade if folks getting it all for free, via Medicaid. Why do Canadians think they know how it rolls down here. BTW, a lot of the waiting is due to Covid when all elective care was suspended. Now there's a lot getting caught up.

[@waynejohnstone3685]

Re wait times in Canada, I’m sure if we blocked access to healthcare to a good portion of our population wait times would go down. This comparison to the USA system seems like a false equivalence

[@white-haired-demon]

Always felt that, but you put it in words. Totally agree.

[@fraserhenderson7839]

misrepresenting reality with facts... statistics can be arranged to imply the desired spin.

[@lorencostello6205]

Canada population 37 million U.S.A. population 327 Million!!! California has more people that the whole country of Canada!!

[@p1username]

@@lorencostello6205 What's your point?

[@lorencostello6205]

@@p1username point is everyone thinks Canada has the perfect health care system. but the whole country of Canada is only 37 million vs U.S.A. 327 million!! America has 8 times more people than that of Canada!! so if the system works for 37 million people does not mean its going to work for 300 million people!! Not to mention canada pretty much does not have to have a large defence budget or a massive military because America backs them up with that!!

[@mirzapa]

Here is my firsthand experience as an America. who has been living in Canada for the past 7 years. I wouldn’t trade the Canadian system for ours EVER! Both mine and my wife’s employer provide us with supplemental insurance for dental, vision, chiropractic and other various therapeutic services. For a family of four, I pay less than $50 per paycheck and my wife pays even less. And we’re considered to be over the top with the amount of coverage we have. LITERALLY every medical service we received (major of those being births of two children and a knee surgery) was covered FULLY between Medicare and our private insurances. I did have to wait my turn for my knee surgery (less than three months) which I consider a minor inconvenience. Healthcare is NOT a line item in household budget. Hands down, the Canadian system is better than ours. We should be so lucky to have the Canadian system.

[@martinko4086]

6lilies6phillies, Employer provide you with "supplemental insurance " ?? I guess you have to have ADDITIONAL insurance to your regular Canadian insurance . WHAT a rip off. And you pay higher taxes on the top of it . Does your employer provide you with a car insurance also ? Somebody need to provide you with some logic .

[@GreenDudeHC]

@@martinko4086 Did you even watch the video? Some things like dental and prescription drugs are not done via medicare and people sometimes pay for a private insurance(optional) or take the one provided by their workplace. These insurances cost a fraction of what american insurance costs and cover everything else. He pays 100$ a month for an optional extra coverage so that dental care and more is free. And even though Canadian taxes are higher as the video says Americans pay 7% more of their GDP towards healthcare. Imagine being American that doesnt have free healthcare and yet still paying more for healthcare than Canada. If your happy with that, great keep voting for republicans. But I think your the one being illogical.

[@martinko4086]

@@GreenDudeHC So you are saying that in Canada there is also supplemental private health insurance, covering dental and prescription drugs , sometimes it is provided by workplace . So WHY are you calling it " SINGLE - PAYER" if there are two systems of insurances ?? Illogical ??

[@GreenDudeHC]

@@martinko4086 Because it is completely optional and most people dont have it. Also there are non profit ones for single parents and free ones for kids so that ultimately instead of just medical care being free it is all care+. But again lots stick to medicare only. 7% less of GDP spent on medical care than USA... including all of this... sleep on it.

[@martinko4086]

@@GreenDudeHC Cheaper do NOT mean better , sleep on that .

[@jadoreheart]

American living in Canada. I was able to get MRI for free with MSP, compared to the states, where if I didn't have a good insurance through work, I would had to pay out of pocket.

[@ericl8743]

My MRI was $15,000 in the US

[@ericl8743]

@@mokubakaiba1751 Yeah it sucks!

[@nilnil7325]

@@ericl8743 That actually makes me really sad to hear that. MRIs do not cost a hospital $15 000 to administer and analysize... That is an outrageous amount to charge a patient.

[@pc_814]

chynadoll i don’t understand why these problems are national emergency in america

[@MichiganUSASingaporeSEAsia]

chynadoll agree

[@garyoa1]

Lived in Canada nearly 20 years. Yep. Their health care is amazing. The only thing you have to pay for when visiting a doctor or hospital is parking. And once you hit 65, most prescriptions are free except for a service charge at the drug store. Range from maybe $2 to $15.

[@homiiciidalkiitten6650]

Fun fact, most hospital parkings in Canada are managed by the hospital foundation and the money is used back towards the hospital. Most of them are non profit entities.

[@TheVelcrogloves]

Nahh...... I had to pay for TV rental, too.

[@fcf777]

When my wife had surgery, I just parked at a nearby mall or took an Uber to save on parking. After finding out what my American relatives pay for health insurance, I have never been cheap with parking again.

[@garyoa1]

@@fcf777 Yeah, but we still pay for parking on top of it.

[@kbp341]

In Canada, all your doctor had to do is tell them your medicine is essential, and they’ll cover it. No red tape

[@patiencewinsall]

So to put it simply America treats healthcare purely as a business and other countries healthcare is treated as a right for their citizens?

[@user-hc9qv9yb9m]

Pretty much

[@Agtsmirnoff]

Ever seen the VA?

[@kevinp8108]

That's right! The insurance and pharmaceutical lobbies payoff the Republican politicians to vote against Medicare for all in the US.

[@Agtsmirnoff]

@@kevinp8108 Obama sold out to big pharma to get Obamacare passed.

[@naturegirl2110]

@@Agtsmirnoff I think what he should have done for Obama care is skip the private insurance companies altogether and go straight to the hospitals. Our now lower monthly premium and whatever other funding for Obama care should have been pooled together and then make that the universal care for all.

[@MrThe1234guy]

2 hours is not a long wait the emergency Room that happens frequently in America as well

[@chandy3859]

if you got a life threatening condition then there is no need for wait.

[@marcelrodriguez2067]

My diabetic father finger got cut off when he was at the deli cutting meat. He lost the finger because they had him waiting 5 HOURS in the emergency room. By the time they attended him the other part of the finger was dead.

[@canadiansplootdoggo9333]

@@chandy3859 ditto in Canada...

[@xGaLoSx]

2 hours? Not in canada, try 5.

[@douglei4413]

In the USA, this was several years ago, when my 11 yrs old younger brother was bitten by a dog, we went to the ER and he waited almost 3 hours before a doctor took a look at him.

[@Make_Canada_Trudeau-Less-Again]

The long lines and waiting is exaggerated grossly, but one thing for sure, people aren't in a line because they can't afford to get help.

[@chimaican01]

Exactly. People who have long wait times are usually those who are not high priority and would for the most part be considered elective. If one needs a specialist and/or surgery due to something being life threatening, they'll be seen and treated. It all comes down to priority.

[@KatMorgan23]

If you are diagnosed with Cancer or another severe illness you tend to be seen earlier by specialists. As well, many specialists have waiting lists, allowing people to get an earlier appointment if someone else cancels.

[@Make_Canada_Trudeau-Less-Again]

@@KatMorgan23 Yes I had cancer and went through the process. The list is definitely Triaged logically but I experienced no delay.

[@markanthony3275]

Yeah they are , you just don't see it . The go to se the G.P. and there's no problem there. They have to see a specialist for more specialized diagnostic tests ...and it's a two month wait ...same as a line up . The specialist sends you to one of the eight or ten qualified doctors in Canada , because they discovered you have a rare condition...and it's a two month wait to get in there...another form of line up. All I can say is that Canada's healthcare system is not free ( we pay crushing taxes for it ) and secondly , it's not great either because each year we pay more in taxes and we receive worse and worse treatment . That's why for some things , people go stateside . The provincial gov't s have also realized that they will never be offer anything except diminishing quality of care ...so they will cover the costs of some treatment in the states...it's a sort of capitulation that our system is on the decline . Once it was great...now it is dying ...and soon it may be on life support .

[@leemorgan4799]

I have never had to wait very long to see a specialist. I live in Toronto, therefore the service is better. I also believe it depends on your GP. My doctor has an after hours service that they use.

[@paddy1952]

This is about 90% accurate. They could have done better explaining things like wait times. I had a heart attack and was in surgery the next day. It's the elective stuff we wait for.

[@elgar6743]

It's definitely, 'hurry up and wait'...unless it's, literally, a life or death emergency such as a heart attack/accident trauma etc.. Glad you're ok...

[@L0LrevneD]

Glad you’re ok man!

[@elizabethmcleod246]

I had a pinched nerve and I waited 3.5 years for surgery. I’m disabled now.

[@seldom7288]

@@elizabethmcleod246 why didn’t you go to the us to do the surgery? Health is worth more than money.

[@elizabethmcleod246]

@@seldom7288 I couldn’t afford it.

[@jessicahopkins9945]

You ask any Canadian and you would be hard pressed to find one who would rather switch to a private system. I am happy to pay taxes to ensure my fellow Canadians have health care. It’s the one tax I don’t mind paying!

[@goglux2]

Exactly, we pay as a society so that no one has to go bankrupt because they got sick. That's the one thing almost everyone can agree on.

[@gord2358]

Jessica Hopkins - Well said.

[@burtonhollabaugh3767]

You heard form the satisfied Canadians. Many are not. News- papers are full of ads begging for money. People wanting to go to the United States for treatment not availabe in Canada. Large sections of Canada are rual. Only large cities have expensive equipment.

[@tsad5611]

Burton Hollabaugh what’s your point?

[@danmaddox8211]

We are fully aware how the US medical system works, so do you not think that we would adopt their policies if it were superior and produced better outcomes? There's too much money holding back change there now.

[@ericnicholls3955]

I live in Ottawa and I have my Ontario's Health Card. I rarely get sick, but knowing that if something happens, the hospital will take care of me, is priceless! I love Canada. HealthCare is a right, not a luxury.

[@nathalia_hfitness1681]

EXACTLY!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@martinko4086]

Eric Nicholls, Look like they did not take care of you yet, because you have a brain damage already as a " student " . Healthcare is your right only when you PAY for it OR somebody else is willing to pay it for you, like Mother Teresa !! Doctor/ hospital / need to be paid, he do not work for free . YOU have NO rights to FORCE somebody else to PAY for your lazy alcoholic/ drug addict ass. I pay for my private health care and I do not need government acting like a middle man to getting in my personal business . If I do not like my private healthcare , I can cancel it and choose a different company with better quality or price . TRY to cancel your Canadian / government owned / healthcare subsidized from your high taxes ..

[@PabloGonzalez-hv3td]

martinko40 - Do you realize the basic concept of insurance is to pool the funds of many to pay for the risks of the few? You ARE paying for other people's health care and they're paying for yours. And you're both paying for the middle man's profit. The government isn't involved in my health care apart from handing me my health card. Don't your insurance providers dictate your treatment?

[@martinko4086]

@@PabloGonzalez-hv3td Do you realize that middle man's profit in your Canadian health care system is your loving government ,because you already pay way high taxes . My private insurance dictate me NOTHING , because I can cancel anytime , but you cannot cancel your high taxes to government .

[@PabloGonzalez-hv3td]

martinko40 If you cancel your insurance you're no longer covered your point is moot as I can choose to not work and not pay taxes Taxation is completely dependant on the situation in some cases Americans pay more like on windfalls and inheritance tax neither of which exist in Canada

[@piobmhor8529]

I’m Canadian as well. My mother is going through chemo for non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and the greatest inconvenience right now is arranging for one of my brothers to drive her to and from the hospital for treatments. We have no idea what the chemo drugs cost, never asked. Sure wait times for elective surgeries are longer than the US, but she went from diagnosis to her first chemo treatment within days. It’s not perfect, but I prefer it.

[@Monsterrello]

Hello, I also had NHL in 2014, stay strong mom.... you're not alone! .... I can't say it's going to be an easy battle but stay positive and focused, everything else can wait... I'm still alive to talk about it, so good luck, you have an entire medical team there to help you! 🙂

[@Shelora]

Absolutely!

[@kbp341]

My mother was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. Within 2 weeks of diagnosis, she had an appointment with the surgeon. Within another month she had her surgery . No cost. Her second surgery a month later, chemo and radiation, no cost . Her painkillers were also covered. Best part, didn’t have to claim bankruptcy to pay the bill. Canada’s medical system is way better than the us.

[@scorpiaflameful]

... Canada only has 10 provinces, and 3 territories. Where did you get 12 provinces from CNBC

[@JackReacheround]

i'm betting they counted the Yukon and Nunavut

[@estoyconestupido]

How is having Doctor basically being controlled by the government a good thing?

[@xbratusx]

@@TheColeConversation ya but it hasn't been like that since the 70's

[@Nathan-rt5vj]

@@estoyconestupido Did you watch the video? The government isnt the doctors boss. The doctors are PRIVATE and BILL the government. Try watching the video before you try to be clever.

[@Canakz]

@@estoyconestupido No estás con el estupido. Tu eres el estupido...

[@fengchen1975]

I am so grateful for the healthcare in Canada. I had a burn accident when I was 5 and had to be hospitalized for 9 days. The cost of treatment, the hospital stay and follow-ups was around $300,000 CAD at the time. My family was broke as we just immigrated here and we only had to pay $45 for the ambulance ride to Sick Kids hospital. I am lucky to have never had a serious accident like that again but forever grateful that one accident didn't break my family apart. We pay more in taxes sure, but to have that safety net in case of a health problem is well worth it.

[@harrycooper5231]

Hah! I'm Canadian born and raised, and this is why I never complained about paying into our healthcare system, even when I was young and healthy and rarely used it. I'm so happy that your life was positively affected, and the cool thing is, what helped you so much also helped make Canada a little bit better of a place to live for all of us as you and your family could remain productive members of our society. Thank you for joining us. :)

[@tossedsaladman2184]

@@harrycooper5231 wow! My grandfather, who is still alive, and has the last name Nwaesei, works at hospital for sick kids as a medical doctor, tell me if you've ever met him.

[@sberesford2523]

I have lived in both countries. My experience of the Canadian system has been very positive. I am so grateful for the care I have received. In the states I got a faulty ekg. The insurance co. refused to give me coverage. Even when I paid out of pocket to prove that the test was faulty. In Canada I have had first class treatment

[@timburss3335]

I only live in America. My lifelong working to try get ahead has always been if i have see a dr. It instantly pulled away all my savings and more. You can work for years even trying to save for retirement. Then suddenly a accident. A sickness. Anything its all pulled away. Even with insurance it dont cover much and tops out. For instance last year i had a simple colonoscofy. Left me with a 7,000 bill for a 2 hr service. A 4 hr once small hernia surgery 23,000.00 this is whats left for us to pay. Not counting the health insurance premiums and the blood tests, anesthesia, these are just examples. I have had big surgery that left me 100k. Etc. But gov pushes take away healthcare retirement. But then if you work. Your actually punished. The Canadian healthcare i dont know about. I only had a few friends that lived next to us. They said Canada had the best healthcare they ever had known. They were elderly. Moved back to Canada. This isn't to promote either way. Just my experience.

[@Argonaut121]

I'm a Canadian. My only experience with the US health care system was about 7 years ago when my wife broke her leg badly while we were skiing in Utah. She was immediately operated on and had nine pins and rods put in her lag. Outstanding treatment. We (both my wife and I!) were put up in a private room in the hospital for 5 days. It was a 40-bed hospital, brand new. It looked like a luxury hotel. On two of the nights, only one other bed was being occupied. Even the food was great. In fact, people would come from miles around to eat in the hospital's cafeteria. At end we were presented with the bill - for $120,000. Little wonder the US pays so much more for health care. Thankfully my employer's health care plan covered all of it. In Canada, we would have paid nothing, had a semi-private room (without a bed for me) and the food would have sucked. So our taxes are higher. All in all, I'd take the Canadian system any day.

[@bradywalker5291]

>In Canada, we would have paid nothing. That's the big actual difference. Firstly, something is being paid. The costs for the same outcomes, or procedures are higher in the states. Second, even at half the cost(hypothetically) in Canada, you would be none the wiser because you aren't being shown how much it costs. The bills always get sent to the patients in the states. It's up to us to send it to our insurance provider, who normally covers most of the expenses.

[@Argonaut121]

@@bradywalker5291 True I suppose, as long as you aren't one of the tens of millions who don't have insurance. But we do pay the cost in Canada too. It is paid out of our taxes. We don't know the actual "cost" per procedure, any more than we know the cost of firefighters responding to a fire alarm or cops responding to a break in. But we do know that the cost of health care in Canada in total in Canada is about 10% of GDP, vs. 18% in the US. And we live longer, have lower infant mortality rates, etc..

[@bradywalker5291]

@@Argonaut121 yes, but A) more people would have the opportunity to afford insurance is Healthcare wasn't more expensive in the states B) this would minimize the gap between qualifiable applicants for medicaid, and those who don't qualify but still can't afford their own coverage. This gap is around $21k-$30k. Less is qualifiable, more is where you begin to have better health benefits from employment or even afford an individual policy. C) the main point of you guys not seeing how much it costs, is that it's incomparable. You're not aware of how much cheaper medicine is in Canada and with that perspective, it seems insane that the states isn't offering the same programs. It's because our prices are outrageous, which drives up the costs of health insurance. If we got prices down to the Canadian level, or lower, we could implement a similar system, or expand medicaid to cover that gap previously mentioned. This means the lower middle class and up keep their great benefits, and needy families and those who would benefit, but aren't necessarily needy would be covered. Eventually we expend this to cover regular things like ambulances, chronic diseases, genetic disorders, etc. But it doesn't all happen in a single. Presidential term.

[@harrycooper5231]

@@bradywalker5291 Very well said. I think you got to the crux of the problem in the USA, outrageously high costs because they're billing an insurance company.

[@bradywalker5291]

@@harrycooper5231 it's not actually the insurance companies. Those companies actively try to lower costs of service. We've had insurance far longer than the cost of medical service has been incredibly expensive. There are other countries with no socialized Healthcare, where cost. Of treatment is still much lower. Laws, and education, and lack of a well functioning system are what are driving the costs

[@CutieZalbu]

Lmao The real health care here in the US is Go fund me 🤣🤣🤣😜

[@diagnosinghealthcare5979]

Sad but true. Most people know that healthcare in the U.S. is broken but very are coming up with a solution that actually works. The trailer for our documentary "Diagnosing Healthcare" is now available - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXbJoniArLR5Y7M&

[@veraiskandarian4547]

Well said

[@cgme7076]

This is a fact.

[@rwhunt99]

Unfortunately that is so true.

[@eogg25]

@@rwhunt99 I find it interesting listening to people that don't have health care. The first job I got after I left the Army had free healthcare, I worked several more jobs before I retired and they all paid for my healthcare. I don't have a college education just tech school that I was able to pay for from working. I don't know what you do for a living but all my kids get basically the same benefits from there employers, one of them does pay but its very affordable, there is Medicaid for poor people and the state I live in has very good prescription program and hearing impaired program. The last company I worked for had an excellent 401K program, some of the people that use it will be millionaires when they retire. I started one a little later and did not end up that well off. Enjoy.

[@adribiron]

7 years in Canada and never had to wait for more than 10 minutes to see a doctor in walk-in clinic. Excellent system

[@moneyparhar]

That's what walk in clinic means dummy. It's not hospital

[@mikaelav8964]

Shift Gears it’s also free. That doesn’t happen in America.

[@Onew92]

Blaze Ottawa It’s almost the same in Nordic countries also.

[@carterdickinson5804]

Lmao what? Last 3 times I had to go to the EMERG (Not a Walkin) I waited atleast 6 hours. WalkIn clinics are atleqst 4 hour waits with terrible hours. Our HC System should not be emulated.

[@zammmerjammer]

@Blaze Ottawa Everyone's experience is different. I had a minor cut in my hand and needed a grand total of maybe 5 stitches. I waited less than 2 hours. And this was in Toronto in the middle of the day AND there were car accident victims who went in ahead of me. Bill = $0

[@TranNguyenVungLay]

Rich people don’t care about how many tiers of medicines they have to pay for but poor people can’t effortlessly 2nd tier or so on. Medical and medicine is human rights. Healthcare is human rights.

[@hficheugjihfjfuehdj6802]

So what happens when the system goes bankrupt and the wasteland ensues? Will healthcare still be a "human right" then, or will the medic expect compensation for his services?

[@ameliapond1916]

EVERY time I've had to see a specialist here in the US, I've had to wait at least three months. Two hour wait in the emergency room? I wish! Every experience I've had, and most others I've heard about, involved (at best) a four to six hour wait. Canada's plan sounds pretty damn good to me!

[@djgolf3256]

Universal healthcare is a no brainer. It's better in every single way.

[@henrycavill799]

Hello dear

[@jackiecorley8942]

Only some are like thag

[@benjesseau8889]

As a Canadian I can confirm, I really like being better than the US

[@jtnjtnn22]

The problem with the USA is not the system its the price gouging. If there was price fixing at the government level with an otherwise private market this would be a much better system as people wouldn't have to pay for it yearly regardless of if they got services and medication or not. But yeah if you ask me if I'd rather have the current system in the USA with its unbelievably high prices or the socialism in Canada I'll take Canada any day.

[@georgehancock2307]

I cant trust your opinion. You dont know when to use "then" and "than".

[@SISTEMAQ]

Define better. Your economy relies on us

[@user-vr3fu2ek8d]

It's funny seeing Americans saying "Were the greatest country in earth" LMAO

[@allanevans5018]

King Stallion we relying on each other as did in war and disaster. That why are border has no Wall and is the longest in the world. It's not are business to be involved in US elections either. Only thing is it appears it take 4 years every 4 years to the election. We're the pain in Canadian only last about 6 weeks lol

[@nycalien]

I worked with 4 Canadians. Neither of them had to wait 48 hours or long lines to see a doctor. They love their system. Also they don't pay more taxes than us here in USA. They pay almost the same amount as we are but no health insurance premiums like in US. When you add up the health insurance premiums then we in US pay way more in taxes than any other country in the world.

[@dustinthomas194]

Who are you talking to it’s know they pay way more in taxes while the us has some of the lowest... I don’t think you worked with Canadians that lived there

[@nycalien]

@@dustinthomas194 No they don't. It's almost same as US tax rate. Yet they don't pay insurance premiums. Yes they are Canadians, unless both me and my coworkers forgot what's their own country is.

[@srabchun]

They do have an extremely high sales tax. I believe in Ontario its 16%. I live in the Detroit metro area. So rite on the border. And no matter where you go shopping, there are always many cars with Ontario plates shopping at our stores. And getting gas before they go back. I work for a retailer that has locations in both countries. We sell kitchens. Same products. But at the Canadian locations, they average about $2000 more for the same thing.

[@BurntRaisinToast]

Dustin Thomas Middle class Canadians do pay a higher income tax rate than middle class Americans. That’s true of every nation that provides universal health care & subsidized prescriptions & university education to its citizens. In exchange we have a healthier, better-educated population with fewer people experiencing financial hardship through no fault of their own. Not a bad deal.

[@bumperxx1]

I don't know about Your comment about higher taxes in the US vs Canada. My wife is Canadian And my brother-in-law is constantly complaining how expensive it is to live Outside of Windsor Canada. He also complains About how much food Gas And just in general how expensive it is. Mind you I as a wife 3 kids And a job that probly pays about 80KA year. Also I believe they receive money from the government for their children. I make $50k a year Live in Michigan 30 minutes from the border Of Windsor And I manage better than they do. I'm not Bragging I'm just stating the facts. I have nicer things than they do such as 8 2018 Pacifica vs There 2004 Ford F150. I have a have a 1300 ft² home Meanwhile they are struggling In a 3 bedroom 1 and 1/2 baths. His wife my sister-in-law Is constantly looking for ways to cut corners For crying out loud They're so cheap They have resulted To make their own Handsoap ketchup Tomato sauce Laundry Soap. My brother-in-law complains all the time so if it's so good over there why did they haven't so hard

[@malter2323]

when my mom was in the hospital, the most expensive thing was the tim hortons and parking

[@Dear--Leader]

I will happily continue to pay my taxes so that never changes.

[@mumzthewurd1]

I’m a very healthy Canadian yet over my lifetime I’ve had 5 surgeries, all for different things. Any one of those could have bankrupted an American family. The wait time argument is false too since in the US you don’t count all of those who need treatment but cannot even get on this list, making the list artificially short.

[@manwrite3955]

USA is like someone who doesn't have both hands but still laughing at those who don't have a finger!

[@bruce8321]

well said

[@kerriwilson7732]

So give them the finger already!

[@noah766]

Lmao I can’t even be made at this comment

[@Ss-hn5rf]

Lmao. True that

[@alexanderwasley5105]

Bruh Americans rate their system higher than Canadians theirs...

[@ispeed1971]

Hello from Canada , went to the doctor today , had a physical got a prescription for some meds , having bloodwork done , getting CPAP machine . Price $0.00

[@jasonle520]

Shawn MacLeod In the U.S if you get the flu and have to go the doctor, it would be around 50 dollars

[@tokee1234567]

I thought getting a cpap in itself costs money? At least that is what the Respiratory Therapist at my hospital told me (BC)

[@Sam19509]

the meds cost you money unless you over 65 or have very good employer sponsored private insurance with no deductibles or co-payments like many government employees.

[@KennyboyGM]

Shawn MacLeod you just paid more in taxes.

[@Alex_Mitchell]

@@Sam19509 But meds are much cheaper here.

[@ryangal855]

When I was 22, I got in a fight in Toronto when I was drunk. Ended up being jumped by 5 of the guys friends. They shattered my skull and broke my jaw. The police report showed I started and instigated the fight. 2 weeks later, I’m being operated by two of the best plastic surgeons in Ontario at Sunnybrook which is one of the best hospitals in Canada. Total cost of this operation cost $240K including my stay at the hospital for a week. I paid $60 for my ambulance ride. Tell me, would American health insurance cover that bill even with a police report showing that I started and instigated a fight?? Health is the greatest equalizer. Yes we pay more in taxes for this but no one should have to worry about paying for hospital bills or healthcare. Its the biggest piece of mind one can have

[@billthecat129]

Do we really pay more in taxes? Me and my American friend did a comparison...and it was pretty equal at the end of the day...while their income tax was less; their property tax seemed exceptionally high.

[@ripapa6355]

Wait time is as myth. Nothing serious is waited on. Never in my life have I waited for more than a few hours. That's fine.

[@JM-bi6yx]

Not true

[@colleengoodrich7629]

When my husband had a heart attack, he was transported and had a stent placed within 12 hours. One night in hospital, and he was home again. I had a transplant in another province. I paid for food and accommodation for 4 weeks, which I could claim on my income tax. All tests before, care during and drugs after were covered by either my home province or the transplant province. No complaints. When a person goes to emergency there is a triage system. True emergencies get immediate treatment. Others can wait for hours.

[@jtoad99]

When my wife's father had Cancer he had to go to the US to get treatment.

[@mauricesmith4690]

That happens all the time in the USA.

[@carpelinguae9097]

Hours, days, months...

[@Mo.Jo.]

As a Canadian, my biggest expense before/during/after my open heart surgery was still having to pay for my car and not getting to use it for 2 months, lol.

[@maplehightech]

I live in Canada. I had quite a few hospital visits. I waited for a while in ER, but being confident that help is on the way and don't have to worry about how much I have to pay out of this hospital visit. If someone has money and want to be treated as VIP, United States is just a few hours away and feel free to go there. The emergency room here is not working on first come first serve basis here. It is basically a triage system. Patient with the most critical conditions get to be seen first. I had surgery two years ago, the wait is not as long. I have to go through a couple medical procedure during pandemic, I got my appointment and able to get it done within 2 weeks. I even called ambulance a few times and the cost is only 45 CAD. I really don't see much issue in Canada. I am happy.

[@Shelora]

It’s not true that we have long waiting lines and endless reams of red tape. My mother got her second knee replacement at age 91 without a long wait.

[@santiagodelatorre2520]

I live in Uruguay, South America and we have the same system as in Canada. It's not perfect, but at least everyone can have access to healthcare without having to spend thousands of dollars. Also, It is true that for example there are long waiting times to see a specialist but if you want to go the private route and pay a private doctors office you can, It will probably cost you like a $100USD for the private consult, but you have the choice.

[@unknownunknowns]

Yes, there is a choice: don’t pay and you have to wait, or pay and you don’t have to wait.

[@kennethobando78]

@@unknownunknowns at least you can see the doctor. In us if you don't have alot of money you can't see a doctor.insurance is easily $800 a month for family so many poor can't afford it.

[@gilliansernich9267]

For the hundredth time. You do not wait to see a specialist in Canada if you have an urgent health issue.

[@formerfundienowfree4235]

Using data from Statistics Canada and the Canadian Institute for Health Information, the study estimates that the average Canadian family (two parents, two children) with a household income of $138,008 will pay $12,935 for public health care this year, while a single individual (earning $44,348) can expect to pay ...Sep 27, 2018

[@sylvainpaquin605]

I live in the province of Québec in Canada. And I need medication that would cost me $3,500/month. I pay $94.00/month and that is the cap. I never pay more out of pocket.Of coarce that varies in each province and territories. But generally, we are well taken care of. Nothing in the US can compare to that. For this, I am glad to pay my taxes.

[@mightymoose1158]

That’s what taxes are for! I don’t begrudge taxes per se because they pay for stuff!

[@markanthony3275]

The taxes that subsidize you come from the rest of Canada ...just wanted you to know that . What happens now that we are tapped out ?

[@oldmanfrank2517]

Whenever I hear "He was treated by the best doctor money can buy", I find that so wrong.

[@harrycooper5231]

I'm a Canadian. I've requested some of the best surgeons in the world, and gotten them. Had my ACL/MCL done by the same guy who did the Canucks.

[@drj4749]

Our son had a horrific accident which would have ended up costing us upwards of 3 million dollars, as per the staff at the hospitals. He was in ICU for 10 weeks , followed 5 1/2 months in rehabilitation, plus requiring prosthetic limbs which alone are the equivalent of a luxury car. While our Canadian medicare is not the best in the world, it is still amazing compared to most countries. We shudder to think of those in the USA having to face bankruptcy because of serious illness or accident...

[@rwhunt99]

I have relatives in Ontario, and they haven't had ANY problems. I've got insurance and I still have to wait to get an appointment to see the doctor. Canadians pay far less for drugs.

[@eogg25]

How long do you have to wait, in an emergency you can go to the ER, Medicaid covers poor people, they get free dental, eye, hearing and regular health free, I have Medicare now that I am retired. with my family doctor I can get a appointment the next day. Prescriptions can be expensive if you don't have a supplement plan. which costs me extra but covers catastrophic medical care.

[@sgtcrab2569]

@@eogg25 Let me get this straight. After 65 you have Medicare which it seems works well. Would it work at 64? 55? 40? 10 months?

[@rwhunt99]

@@eogg25 You do understand Trump wants to gut SS and Medicare, right, he just said so the other day. 58% of bankruptcies are due to a health emergency. SS is the most successful program in our history, and Trump and Moscow Mitch want to steal the money we put into it and pay for their Tax cut for the wealthy, who didn't need one in the first place. You failed to mention not only have you paid into it since you started working, you still have to pay for all that it - Medicare doesn't pay for, so most people have to pay out hundreds of dollars a month on top of it. You are missing the big picture here.

[@eogg25]

@@sgtcrab2569 At 40, 55, 64 I had my insurance covered by my company, in fact I did not have to buy insurance since I was 21 years old, The companies I worked for supplied free health care and a life insurance policy but all companies don't do that. When I was 10 months old there was no health insurance in the USA. The cost of insurance went up quite a bit since I was 17 but so did my wages and all of the companies I worked for supplied free health insurance. There are a lot of variables involved. I don't know how much taxes you pay and what taxes you have, compared to mine. I am not trying to compare Canadian Health insurance but in my case I never had a problem.

[@rwhunt99]

@@eogg25 I am an American, I have employee sponsored healthcare and even back when I was working, I had a hard time getting into the doctor. I am retired with Medicare and my company pays for the Medicare supplement premiums, I blessed to have it.

[@mx2411]

"They love being better than the U.S.", LOL. I've been to Canada several times, it's a great country with great people. There are a lot for us to learn from Canada.

[@willmallory9085]

And Canada is a LOT less racist!

[@AdrianParsons]

@@willmallory9085, I'm sad to say that it's still *too* damn racist. It's much worse than it should be, but I suppose everything is relative.

[@AdrianParsons]

@random guy , sad to say that it's "fewer" rather than "none". 4 people for sir at a BBQ a couple of years ago (gang related, though). And our worst would be école polytechnique, where a guy shot & killed 14 people - all women.

[@landonbarretto3139]

I'm American and live in Canada. Canadians do sneer at Americans and I laugh right along with them.

[@Dear--Leader]

@@willmallory9085 I met a couple at a Blue Jays game and had a great time laughing and having a good time, thought nothing of it. They were from Georgia and said "it felt like Canada was a place where black folk was a place where black folk could just be". Hit me like a ton of bricks.

[@mlitt11]

When I have my first child in 1996, I had an emergency C-section with complications I spent 6 days at B.C. Women’s Hospital. I was given a private room and 2 nurses to care for me and my child. A friend of mine lives in upstate NY had similar problem during birth of her daughter same year. She was sent home after 2 days with 20K + hospital bill on top of what her insurance pays. I went home with $10.75 phone bill that I asked installed in my room for the duration of my stay.

[@goat9295]

Did you know that American mothers have to pay extra just to hold their child in their arms after delivery? It's absolutely ridiculous.

[@001spring]

There is zero red tape. Not sure what she is talking about

[@danielmarreviews3947]

The long wait times and expensive services that are not covered by the system is what she is referring to.

[@gregsimmons3323]

Yes. The US private insurance system, however, is the very epitome of red tape.

[@danielmarreviews3947]

@@gregsimmons3323 definitely! But it’s worth saying Canada’s system is not perfect. Definitely better than the American model, but there’s better examples of universal healthcare. That’s not to say Canada’s system is all that bad. Quality of hospitals are amazing (especially in Toronto), and for the most part, everyone is covered. But the wait times are ranked the longest among industrialized nations, plus, our system doesn’t cover prescription drugs and dental care. There’s DEFINITELY room for improvement!

[@gregsimmons3323]

@@danielmarreviews3947 Yes, I agree

[@natnasci]

This video really doesn't do a good job at explaining our system. As others have mentioned , RED TAPE?????? Our system is SO easy to use.

[@triplethreatmatt]

Yeah I don't understand what they meant by red tape. We go to the doctor's office, check-in with the receptionist or nurse, see the doctor. If they think we need something they write a prescription, or refer to a specialist and the process moves forward. Doesn't the U.S. have red tape? Like wouldn't the receptionist have to check a person's insurance plan to see what was covered before going ahead with anything/ wait for approval on things?

[@landonbarretto3139]

Red tape means pulling out your medical card. Which is incorporated into drivers' licenses.

[@CountofSerenno]

@@landonbarretto3139 rather pull out my health card than a stack of cash

[@FAngus-ly8lk]

Yup. The biggest difference between Canadian health care and the US is the huge private health insurance bureaucracy south of the border - the army of adjusters, file managers, administrators and other gatekeepers (not to mention the lawyers) who work in the US health insurance industry. Their job is to deny coverage wherever possible, or to reject claims. They don't exist in Canada. I'm 60 years old and I"ve never - not once in my life - ever dealt with an insurance bureaucrat of any kind. I have only ever dealt with my doctor, who is trusted to diagnose my problems, treat them, and refer me on to specialists when warranted.

[@realchicagophill]

The US healthcare system works like this: First they take all your personal information and then they ask you how much money you have. Then they figure out how much they are going to charge you for the services. That sounds legit right? I'm going to sell you this car that has no price tag so tell me how much money you have and then I'll tell you how much the car costs. By the way, you have to purchase the car. It's mandatory. You have no choice.

[@asharkinwater]

As someone who has used both systems Canada's is way better because of the cheapness. Wait times for me have been about the same for check ups and going to the emergency room. Drug prices are also much much lower. My mother ended up having to move my family to Canada because of a chronic illness that was costing my family thousands per month. Now she pays about $30/month.

[@unknownunknowns]

Maybe because of that doctor Jacques Chaoulli who won in the Canadian Supreme Court in 2005. He wanted to provide his private practice in Quebec which banned him to.

[@fj5492]

@august all I have to say is don’t get real sick with something like cancel YOU will DIE . The Docs move to slow . And I know this first hand

[@asharkinwater]

@@fj5492 I hope I never catch cancel 😂.

[@fj5492]

August Honnell you want be 😂😂 if u get sick

[@nilnil7325]

@@fj5492 What are you talking about??? We live in Canada, and my mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in 2016. She has received excellent and speedy treatment these past 3 years. She requires a meal supplement that costs $450 for a 5 week supply. Because she is over 65 the provincial drug plan helps cover the cost, and therefore we only have to pay $4.11 out of pocket for the supplement. I sincerely wish that all Americans can have a healthcare system as great as Canada's.

[@jimlawson121]

I’ve lived 57 years in Canada and I have no complaints. I am wealthy and could go to the US for “Better healthcare”. I’ve never felt the need. My buddy broke his leg with me in Sanfrancisco in 2010 the bill was $200,000. The land of the free is expensive.

[@jordankriss2440]

I've lived in Japan, Korea, England, USA and now Canada. I experienced the health care system in each country first hand. And Canadian healthcare system is THE BEST...way better than even Japan and Korea, and world of difference than USA and UK. I was hospitalized for internal hemorrhaging about 3 years ago. I was hospitalized for 3 weeks, many blood transfusion, and had to be traveled on an ambulance to a bigger hospital multiple times for various checking, on an ambulance. I was in a brand new hospital...single room with my own shower room. Had wonderful doctor and nurses taking care of me 24 hours, that truly made me feel like I was their family. Hospital food was even better than 4 star hotel food. I had my partner with me one day, and even he was salivating over my breakfast. When I was leaving the hospital with so much appreciation for the hospital, health care workers, and Canadian health care system....my medical bill was ZERO. I didn't have to worry about anything. In 2017, I was paying about 50 dollars a month for BC/Canada health care system for this which was well worth. Now, we have a progressively liberal NDP government in power as of 2020, this government expanded the healthcare even further by eliminating that $50 insurance payment. So, now, it's completely FREE. The government is planning to expand the healthcare system to make more free medication and maybe even dental. Healthcare system is one of the many reasons, why I am so proud of being Canadian.

[@am2008ber]

I am Canadian We don't wait. The Americans talk about that to make themselves feel better

[@KyleC11]

We do wait but those with more critical conditions will be treated asap

[@Lzrdman91]

Sign me up. I lost my job and lost my healthcare.

[@Lefameuxsimon3]

Most of the people who wait in the ER are people who don't need to use the ER. People don't know how to use the health care system in general and fail to realize that you don't go to the ER for a non-threatening medical condition. There are services created for that (clinics), you take an appointment there. This way you won't overflow the ER and won't unnecessarily wait.

[@khp61212]

am2008ber , you right, we are never wait anything, they are just tell you a lie...,,

[@wellyforpm]

Yes, we do wait. Years

[@jasminbenjamin8176]

So wait... Canada treats their citizens as human beings....I need to move over there....the USA has a lot to learn

[@BMWSRR-yd6do]

Ready... make over $155k a yr, every dollar from there on is taxes at 51%.... so with your $0.49 you want to buy a $0.49 anything....sorry - everything there has a GST (Goods and Service Tax, except groceries) 15% tax.... So your $0.49 purchase actually costs $0.56.... Darn, you are $0.07 short.....Or you buy something for $0.42 plus 15%, and there is your $0.49 spent.....So earn a $1.00 in Canada, and you can buy something worth $0.42...Still want to move to Canada??? BTW, in the USA, you have to make $550k a yr to be in the top tax brackets....Rich people pay the highest taxes...think you are "Rich" making $155k... Bill Gates is laughing at you...

[@lcg3092]

@@BMWSRR-yd6do Well, considering less than 10% of people actually make $155k a yr or more, than yes, to an overwhelming majority of people they would just be better off in Canada. But of course, you need to make things better for the minority of people that already have it pretty easy (if you make 155+ you don`t have a whole lot to worry about), at the expense of the majority...

[@eogg25]

When you move let us know how you made out.

[@vine5652]

@@BMWSRR-yd6do that's a nice stat but I'm gonna say you are one of those Americans who don't make over 155k so us Canadians are laughing at you because in your country the poor pay the taxes. Not to mention if something were to happen to you like I dunno have a baby that's 10k-30k in hospital bills. God forbid you have a critical illness. I'm not even gonna get into your systematic racism so yeah I'll stay in Canada.

[@nickl5658]

The US treats its citizens as customers. The problem with medical customers is that you can't really shop around or wait for a good deal if you are bleeding out.

[@vardhan4594]

What are you proud off? Canadians: Public healthcare system Americans: 2nd amendment 😎😎😎

[@mr.2gr33dy7]

@@jackmiddleton7944 shut up you don't have freedom of speech lol

[@drakes4625]

Canada: life America: death jkjk dont shoot me 😅

[@missinglink9973]

guns dont cure diseases

[@ryanmcphee2469]

@@drakes4625 not really, a lot of problems with our system

[@dinamosflams]

Canadians: we can heal more people in hospitals US: we can put more people in hospitals

[@shawneevee7490]

Wait times and red tape aren’t an issue!

[@eliasboesersson8774]

Our system is not perfect, but can be very good. My mom broke her ankle last year, got an ER visit, immediately saw a social worker, got a rental wheel chair and walker, got surgery on her ankle, then got an in-home visit from an occupational therapist after her surgery to set up her apartment. All this happened in FOUR days and we never had to pay a cent out of pocket. I'll take that system any day.

[@Anarcath]

I walked into an emergency room in Montreal. The doctor saw me in 10 minutes.

[@BMWSRR-yd6do]

That's 'cus he was in a rush to finish his shift and go pick-up his 22 yr old stripper girlfriend....

[@anorange7900]

CBR Fireblade u ok?

[@blixten1982]

@Intelligent Basketball Player The language the doctor speaks doesn't affect the care you get.

[@peterl8748]

I've lived in Montreal for over 20 years, not once I was able to see a doctor at an ER in less than 3 hours, longest wait I believe was around 12 hours at the childrens' hospital. That being said, I still am very much proud of our healthcare system, especially when compared to the US...lol

[@elhamhemat572]

@@peterl8748 which part of Montreal you live in?

[@rko1095]

I am a Canadian and a few years ago my wife became very ill during a trip we took to San Francisco. She had to be taken to the hospital to be treated there. It was weird goin the the emergency room there on a typical day. The first thing they asked was "How are you paying for this?". The doctor and emergency room was hidden until you passed the cashier. Fortunately we purchased travel insurance before our trip. Once we got our paperwork was done we got to go into the emergence room. It was EMPTY. Like no patients. That was very eerie to us. Obviously we got to see a doctor right away. He checked her over did some blood work and a CT scan because she had passed out in the hotel room prior to going to the hospital. She was given an IV to increase her fluid level and we were sent back to the hotel. The total cost for a 2 hour visit was $11,000. That's when it hit me that many people are afraid to go to the hospital because of the cost. I asked a nurse about it and she said that even those with insurance are afraid as they are not sure that their insurance will approve and cover the costs. The next day we headed home with my wife still very ill. Once we landed I took her straight to the hospital. Yep back in Canada and to a full emergency waiting room. She was triaged by a nurse and were given a bed right away skipping many of the people who have been there a long time. In Canada we are not treated by first come first serve but by the severity of your need. After some initial assessment she was transferred to a bed in the hospital for further diagnosis. By this time she was extremely ill. Her only symptom was sever diarrhea which would happen 10-15 times a day. She was constantly dehydrated and very low on potassium despite being given plenty of IV fluids with potassium. After a battery of tests and scans it was determined that she had a rare pancreatic cancer called VIPoma. She went into surgery and had the tumor removed. Her total time in the hospital was 2 months and it cost us $0 dollars. So even though the Canadian system is flawed I can say that I will take it over the American system just based on cost alone.

[@ricardolopez-jb7bu]

Health care in the US its just business, they treat as customer not as a patient, they care about the money not the people, we are afraid of going to emergency room, a lot of people doesn't have medical insurance.

[@karend.9218]

Wait times don’t exist for life threatening conditions. I only waited 2 months to see a knee surgeon and 1 month for an ENT. Both of my issues are now dealt with.

[@Nothinlefttoloze]

I live in Alberta, and I've waited literally no more than 5 minutes sometimes. These surveys they take seem wrong and very much biased.

[@BurntRaisinToast]

Dhruv Patel I concur.

[@tokee1234567]

It depends on where you live. Alberta has better healthcare compared to some provinces.

[@denverspin]

Propaganda

[@ILoveGrilledCheese]

It’s American media so naturally it should be taken with a grain of salt

[@user-jy1bc3gw2q]

@Hookers n' Cocaine of course you're from Alberta.. did you make that account prior to 2015 when everything was hookers and blow? Lmfao.

[@sreily]

There is too much wrong with this avalanche of information.. and if not wrong, the information was skewed inaccurately. As a Canadian we have good health care with room for improvement. Most employers cover the extras like pharma and dental.

[@ihague4568]

I would disagree with the concept of "most". An increasing number of employers don't pay for these. Jobs at the lowest end of the earning scale often don't pay benefits, and individuals don't qualify for government programs and can't afford treatments. I've got cavities, and (likely) plaque building up in my arteries. I'm going to cost the taxpayers much much more when I need heart surgery (that could easily have been prevented, if I could afford my medications). The rich and gainfully employed often think we have a great system in Canada.

[@johnfitzgerald7618]

@@ihague4568 If you're in Ontario, have a look at the Trillium Drug Plan: www.ontario.ca/page/get-help-high-prescription-drug-costs Some other provinces have similar programs.

[@SISTEMAQ]

That's what they said tho

[@Bradmhj]

I H interesting. So you live in Canada and have seen this fault in your system first hand? I’m in USA and curious

[@TheoWerewolf]

@@Bradmhj I'm in Canada and I'm not sure what he means. First off, employer extended health doesn't cover core medical - that's "free". However, most provinces have income level based pharma, so if your income is too low, the gov picks up your drug costs. If a treatment is considered essential (ie: to prolong life), then it would be free and again if it included meds not supplied, the pharma system is DESIGNED to help low income people. He is right, dental is not part of the system (yet, the current gov is looking as adding it), but cavities (and I'm assuming he means in his teeth - because cavities in his arteries would be critical and he should be in a hospital) are not considered a life threatening issue. That IS a weakness in our system, but since Americans have to buy health insurance to get that - at worst in this one area, we're tied. As for him costing tax payers more - yup, he will. We don't mind.

[@DanL57]

There have been periods in my life when I didn't see a doctor for years because I could not afford health insurance. We in the U.S. have this broken healthcare system because of the legalized bribery of our politicians, that masquerade as political campaign contributions by health insurance companies, for-profit hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies.

[@denelson83]

You have an iron-fisted capitalist dictatorship in the US.

[@hafyman]

Admittedly, I haven't been to every province so maybe missing something, but the places I've lived in and have travelled to, DO NOT have private hospitals! My father-in-law had an unexpected open heart surgery last November. Went in for a checkup and EKG and Dr. said "call your wife, you need a quadruple bypass." The surgery was done that evening. Cost to the family? We paid for tv service in his room. The only wait times are for elective procedures.

[@user-gw3jk9wp2t]

let’s also not forget that pretty much every other first world country has better healthcare

[@unknownunknowns]

If you’re willing to wait...

[@nsr_nate3616]

Stefan Unson still worth it.

[@badaaii9645]

Stefan Unson it’s the difference between waiting or being in debt for the rest of your life or just not going through with vital surgeries and just hoping that it gets better. Waiting is definetly better than not getting it at all...

[@unknownunknowns]

badaaii But still how do we increase the SUPPLY and reduce the amount of shortages?

[@kirstinaquiline1635]

@@unknownunknowns the assumption in the US is that we sit and wait for years to be treated and we suffer in the mean time. That is very exaggerated and I can bet we don't wait any longer than someone in the US that has middle-of-the-road health care and is not wealthy.

[@shawnhierlihy3690]

I'm 67 and have never had a significant wait time for anything. I've had cataract surgery, stent implant, gall bladder removed and 5 different meds everyday, all without costing me a dime. Americans can have their free enterprise health care.

[@georgecalder2843]

I went to the hospital and was operated on immediately. Spent a week in the hospital where I received the best of care. Zero worries. Just get better.

[@marksmyth9736]

So you may have to wait , really - that beats dying without medical attention based on your ability to pay. NO Insurance company bean counter to deny you access to care, No discrimination based on pre existing Conditions - In fact these patients get all the necessary care and tests they need. Canadian Health care is not dependant on you having a job . This means self employed people get the same level of care. No need to pay your doctor. All paid for by taxes. No insurance company making Billions denying care. There are walk in clinics to keep the Emergency Rooms Free for more Acute Care. It may not be perfect -- But the reality is ITS PERFECT

[@shawncharles3478]

Equality... It's important that everyone is treated the same regardless of wealth.

[@lonestartoo]

The same treatment seems to be the big deal. AND it is cheap because it is not there. I had 90 employees in Canada and one died because they sent him home to "let the sick come ahead of him". His throat cancer killed him seven months later.

[@mrit4099]

300 to 400 thousand go to the US every year

[@mtnbikehead]

Jerry E Ryan The throat cancer killed him.

[@mtnbikehead]

MR IT409 More Americans cross the border for health care and medicine. But hey, enjoy your overpriced health insurance. Do you still have it? Millions just lost their employer insurance and millions more can no longer afford insurance now in the US.

[@formerfundienowfree4235]

You going to give up your nice house so that the person living in a beat up trailer can have a better house? Are you going to give up your steak dinner so the kid eating Ramen can have some?

[@m4x1k5guy]

I do not understand the "red tape" this video refers to. A patient shows their health card. That's it.

[@user-tq9bw3tv4n]

m4x1k5guy lol it’s all rhetoric. You show your health card anywhere in the whole country and you get care. Even outside the country, your provincial coverage will take care of emergency situations

[@BMWSRR-yd6do]

@@user-tq9bw3tv4n Careful, they ONLY payout at the Health Canada rates....Here a broken arm might bill at $1000 CDN, in the USA the same injury treated at an ER might bill at $5,000 USD - you are on the hook for the difference...Better have Blue Cross or something else....Get informed my friend or go broke

[@paullakamp8775]

Consider this m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqXMlXVolMudpbM

[@j.r.m.1884]

My thoughts too. What’s this “red tape” he speaks of!? The whole video seemed kinda “American perspective like” and not true to how Canadians actually view it and have experienced it.

[@jackdeath]

@@paullakamp8775 That Louder with crowder episode where he tried to get a cholesterol test in his 30s. High cholesterol is only a problem in your late 40s and beyond. That might be why he didn't get his test. What a fool!

[@w.a.l5202]

Being a Canadian cancer survivor, and both my parents having had cancer, our treatments in the USA would have bankrupted us. We would have lost our home, our cars, and my parents' business. Our wait time for elective surgeries need improvement, but medically necessary treatments are done immediately. Canada is a tax-heavy jurisdiction and we pay for this via our taxes, which may not seem very sellable at first glance. Also, healthcare is administered by the provinces and territories, not the federal government. Our costs however are high in terms of provincial budgets. My province spent 40% of its budget on health care last year, and it's difficult to reign this in. Also, family doctors essentially are private contractors who bill their respective provinces for service, so it's not like physicians are government operatives. Also, most drugs are not covered - many of us have drug plans through our work that help us along with that as well as for services like dentistry or optometry. It's not a perfect system, but it saved my life and I'm grateful for that. Also, a system that works for a country of 38,000,000 may not work as well for a country of 330,000,000. But Americans need to decide that for themselves. In conclusion: not a perfect system, and it needs reform and improvement. But in my opinion, vastly better overall in terms of outcomes and resulting financial difficulty than the US system.

[@nonnasstitchingloungewithr7281]

As a Canadian, I know that there are waiting times, but it depends on whether its an emergency or not. If you are having a heart attack, you will be seen immediately, vs. a less acute injury.

[@henrycavill799]

Nice meeting you

[@jasondonovan8633]

Hello

[@koru9780]

I will reiterate what @MavenCree said. Canada's health system is based on NEED, NOT greed. No system is perfect but it is damn close and I will not go bankrupt in my country because of medical bills.

[@utoobjh]

I had MRIs, ultrasounds, 7 ER visits, and a $20 000 shoulder surgery and broken left leg surgery along with the 6 week hospital stay all for free in Canada while living in poverty for most of my life. So it’s not about being better than America, it just is. Yes I’ve waited in the hospital for hours but when It was really urgent, I was seen in minutes.

[@TNO73]

Yes you might have to wait from time to time. My father needed surgery that was put off twice, but considering his condition was not life threatening it was understandable that an O.R. be used to save someone's life before they got to my Dad. Myself personally I get kidney stones. I see my specialist once a year & there was one time that his preferred imaging (X-ray) was not conclusive, so he told me to go for a CT scan instead. He told me it would be a long wait to get in, but I went to the imaging area & gave them the form & they got me right in. As I was on my way back to his office to make a follow up appointment with his secretary he saw me in the hall ( on his was to the airport to teach a class in Montreal as he is one of the best in the world in his field) He asked if I had my CT I told him yes. He then asked us to follow him. We went to the imaging area. he asked to see mine. He then turned to me & told me to come back the next morning for a kidney stone removal procedure. In less than an hour I saw the specialist, had an unscheduled CT scan re saw my doctor & had a procedure set up for the next day. I realize I was lucky & that usually you have a bit a of a longer wait, but even still when I or anyone else is sick or in pain we go to a clinic or a hospital & KNOW we aren't going to re mortgage the house to pay for it. While the American system seems great that you can choose your provider...that only works if you CAN. If a significant portion of your citizens don't actually HAVE insurance then they are NOT going to go to the hospital. Canada is hardly a Socialist country, but I know few Canadians that would give up their health care for themselves or others.

[@betty5064]

The radiology department I use in Toronto is open 24 hours a day. You may have an unexpected wait at any time since the hospital is a major trauma centre but it's a delay, not a queue.. It's worth the wait.

[@marilyngarry7240]

This analysis is outdated ....should be up dated.

[@OnTheFritz602]

I'd like to hear about Switzerland, with the graphs they seemed tops in every aspect.

[@LouisVictor767]

OnTheFritz602 In Switzerland they pay way more then every other country except the US.

[@jessykapop]

L B no they don't. We pay more in taxes.

[@chriscole344]

Basically everyone needs to buy health insurance, and theres no state provided medical service. But the government heavily subsidises insurance companies' costs and doesnt allow them to make a profit off the compulsory insurance.

[@THETIESKY]

they don't have violence like the west has violence. that's why they're graphs are top of charts. no one's going to hospital for a stabbing or gunshot wound.

[@chraman169]

L B Almost no one pays more than 300 francs per month

[@ransom182]

Tommy Douglas is my hero. Amazing man.

[@dustigenes]

I met him, he was awesome.

[@BMWSRR-yd6do]

But he's dead, so there that... Go look at what % of Provincial GDP he was spending on health care back then....Now fast forward to today percent of GDP.... Bet good 'ol TD is spinning in his grave at Mach7 saying, "Oh sh.it, nobody can possible believe this is sustainable...."...Except idiots like you

[@shaunmattice6413]

​@@BMWSRR-yd6do Thanks for reminding me why sticking stuff in your nose is a bad thing...

[@eternaldarkness3139]

Canadian healthcare: My 76 y/o Dad just got a pacemaker. Was in hospital for 8 days. Total Cost: $45.00 for the ambulance ride. In Ontario we pay a maximum of $900 / year in provincial taxes towards healthcare In America: Old people are disposable. Paraphrased from Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick ( suggested elderly should be willing to die for the economy.) You just can't make this sh!t up. Personally, I have both American and Canadian citizenship. I would not live in America. Here in Canada I know one thing with absolute certainty: I won't go bankrupt from going to the hospital.

[@chris210352]

There is no wait time in Canada’s emergency rooms if you have a life threatening problem. The waiting happens if you should have gone to urgent care, after hour clinics, or walk in clinics

[@llolichannel]

Of course, but giving immediate treatment for emergency is stupidly obvious, that’s why they are excluded from most data. The wait times for urgencies and electives are the real problem

[@amanjha5916]

As an exchange student I'd like to disagree, while brushing I fell and broke 4 of my fingers the pain was excruciating yet when I reached the hospital I was told to sit the lobby and 'wait'. While I was literally crying nobody even offered a simple painkiller, i didn't had much strength and the Black blueness of fingers apparantly weren't a threatening issue therefore I had to wait for like 5 hours before they finally took notice. Had similar incident in states while tore my hamstring, sure the bill was much much more yet thankfully the employer's insurance covered it all and it was certainly faster for a relatively less painful injury.

[@saidibrahim5931]

This is true, I had a shoulder dislocation went to the emergency department to a hospital in Toronto I saw a specialist in less than 15 min