Privatization of Health Care

Paper Summary:

The paper describes the American system of medicare and the Canadian healthcare model. The paper discusses the arguments for and against privatization of the Canadian system. The paper shows how the Canadian health care system is not perfect but contends that adopting the American model simply will add to the problems of cost and inefficiency. The paper maintains that what is needed is a comprehensive reform of the medicare system in Canada, with a more efficient use of resources.

Outline:
Introduction
The American System of Medicare
The Need for an Alternative in Canada
Arguments against Privatization
Arguments for Privatization
A Hybrid Health Care System

From the Paper:

"The general consensus about privatization is that it is a threat to Canada's health care system. The common argument in Canada is that, in order to have a better health care system, the trend of privatization needs to end and public delivery of health care has to be expanded (Eggertson, 2004). Meanwhile the Canadian system is far from perfect with long wait times, problems of accessibility, and unfairness. Alberta Premier Ralph Klein, for instance, believes in privatization because healthy people deserve a tax break compared to those who are a drain on the health care system (Eggertson, 2004). One alternative to the Canadian system might be the U.S. system of medicare. However, the American model is known to be extremely costly and inefficient."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Eggertson, L. (2004). New 'point man' for federal health negotiations. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 171 (4), 318.
• Hoyt, B. (2005). Public versus private: The medical resident perspective. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 173 (8), 898-899.
• Jones, D. (2004). BC contracting out - a threat to privacy and health acts. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 171 (3), 227.
• Lewis, S. (2004). Single-payer, universal health insurance: Still sound after all these years. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 171 (6), 600-602.
• Morfe, M. (2006). Alternative to traditional medicare. Benefits Quarterly, 22 (3), 7-12.

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