There are two types of healthcare coverage systems in industrialized nations. There is private healthcare and public healthcare. Private healthcare is a system where many companies offer health care coverage to citizens. The system is based on prepaying for healthcare. These companies charge monthly fees (premiums) and co-pay at medical institution where medical attention has been given (Citizens). “Today’s average premium for a family insurance policy -- $9,086 a year – already represents 21% of the national median household income of $42,409.” (Appleby). In a public healthcare system, the government is r

The Canadian system has great advantages for its citizens. There is coverage that is extended to everyone so everyone has healthcare there is the ability to pay principle in action. This is very good for underprivileged people and families to receive medical attention. The biggest and most prevalent drawback to this type of healthcare system is the endless lines one must endure to get medical care (Ministry of Health).

In the United States, we have a private, or not government run, healthcare system. This means that doctors, hospitals, insurance companies, and pharmaceutical companies all operate in a capitalistic fashion. The set their prices through services or products they provide and have competition with other companies or practices in the nation.

Due to the government’s near full involvement in healthcare, there is an overall lack of quality in service available to the public. This is due mainly to a lack of incentive for doctors to work in a price-regulated environment. With the lack of doctors, there is the need to rush through patients to keep up with the high demand. Often hospitals do not offer alternative or state-of-the-art treatments, so patients do not get the best care that could be available. If a patient in Canada was in need of a specialist, lets say for cancer, more patients would die before the can get treatment. There currently is hope for good treatment in Canada and that is a trip south to the US for treatment (Tuccille).

The way healthcare is provided has changed greatly over the past fifty to sixty years. Medical attention was paid for out of the patient’s own pocket and payment decisions were decided between the doctor and the patient. Occasionally doctors performed pro-bono work for those who desperately needed attention and sometimes charities raised money for patients as well. Many necessary tests and treatments today were once thought of as elective and caused a different viewpoint of what was necessary for proper treatment (Woodstock).

The person that is in the middle of the healthcare system in the United States is the patient. With constantly increasing insurance rates now at $9,086.00/yr and drug prices skyrocketing, the average person is having the most difficult time paying for their healthcare. In the year 2006, the projected yearly family insurance average is a whopping $14,545 if things continue and no action is taken. It is nearly impossible to expect the average American family to pay this amount of money to pursue good health. Healthcare is almost unaffordable for middle class fami

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