Healthcare in America — The Next Conversation Part 2B — Canada: Single-Payer Healthcare – Video
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- Healthcare for all
Part 2B — Canada: Single-Payer Healthcare
Canada is probably the healthcare model Americans hear about most often when the phrase “universal healthcare” enters a political conversation.
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The federal government essentially sets the ground rules.
Those rules require that provincial systems:
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Cover all eligible residents
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Be publicly administered
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Provide access to medically necessary hospital and physician services
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Allow coverage to follow residents when they move or travel within Canada
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Avoid patient charges for insured services
If provinces fail to meet those requirements, the federal government can reduce funding.
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The Canadian Model in Simple Terms
Canada combines:
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Universal coverage for medically necessary hospital and physician services
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One public payer
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Independent doctors and healthcare providers
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Provincial administration
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Federal standards
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Tax-based funding
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Limited private insurance for additional services
It is not government-owned healthcare.
It is government-funded healthcare.
That difference is important.
You will find a handy table in the accompanying text
Comparison Reference: Canadian Model
Question |
Canadian System |
|---|---|
Universal coverage? |
Yes, for medically necessary hospital and physician services |
Government owns all hospitals? |
Generally no |
Doctors government employees? |
Generally no |
Single government insurer? |
Yes, for covered services |
Private insurance allowed? |
Yes, mainly for supplemental services |
Main funding source? |
General tax revenue |
Government role? |
Primary payer and regulator |
