Posted on October 23 at 1:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

As a Canadian I understand the severe shortcomings of the U.S. health care system, ours is by no means perfect, but it's light years ahead of the U.S. system.

This is very basic but its a good guide.
The taxpayers in Canada fund the health system through a variety of taxes, including personal income tax, in varies by Province but it averages about 70% of the cost throughout the country.

The balance is paid through payroll deduction, or if self employed by direct contribution. it is very reasonable, under a $100.00 per month for an individual.

If you are a citizen you are covered under the plan, you can go to any physician you choose, you can go to any hospital you choose for any emergency, most communities have health care clinics for those who don't have family doctors, or just can't arrange time to see their family Physician.

If your doctor admits you to hospital, your prescription drugs are covered. Drug costs are a fraction of the U.S. because the government controls drug costs.

Most individual and families purchase prescription drug plans through various providers at very reasonable prices, they usually include dental, and vision care. They are usually under $75.00 per month.

The big difference is the U.S. coverage is provided by insurance companies, they must make a profit, the hospitals in most cases are for profit institutions, and include mark ups on supplies right down to gauze pads.

In Canada and most of the other countries in the world, the word profit doesn't exist in the health care systems.

It's considered a basic human right, as it should be, no one should profit from it.

In the U.S. drug companies spend billions of dollars on TV advertising and pushing prescription drugs, rather than lowering the cost of drugs.

In most Provinces of the country ambulance service is provided as well, including air ambulance.

Is it perfect? no it's not, but it's trying hard to get there. And if you are going to get sick and require serious care at least when you get better, you'll walk out the door, and not have to worry about paying the bill.

On Six ways to repair our health system