A health care prescription from Canada

[Swede]

Universal health insurance is on the American policy agenda for the fifth time since World War II. In the 1960s, the U.S. chose public coverage for only the elderly and the very poor, while Canada opted for a universal program for hospitals and physicians' services.

As a policy analyst, I know there are lessons to be learned from studying the effect of different approaches in similar jurisdictions. But, as a Canadian with lots of American friends and relatives, I am saddened that Americans seem incapable of learning them.

Our countries are joined at the hip. We peacefully share a continent, a British heritage of representative government and now ownership of GM. And, until 50 years ago, we had similar health systems, health care costs and vital statistics.


http://www.heraldonline.com/opinions/story/1518797.html

[slipslidingaway]

1. knr thanks n/t

[alsame]

2. I have Canadian friends who are absolutely astounded at

our resistance to universal healthcare.

[DCKit]

3. Many of U.S. are astounded, as well. n/t

[alsame]

4. Yep, especially after 40 years of Medicare. nt

[mzmolly]

5. It's because many are brainwashed by corporate interests to resist

that which is best for the populace. It's an interesting study in marketing and psychology to be sure!

[alsame]

6. And ignorance - so easy to scare people who don't know or

can't understand the facts.

[mzmolly]

7. Indeed

change is frightening to some, even if it's positive.