In Canada, Claire Thomas has a nationalized health care system in which everyone has coverage. She never has to worry about what she can't afford and is willing to pay the necessary taxes to keep this system afloat. She also doesn't mind the several week waiting period to obtain certain elective procedures. In the United States, however, Margaret Pho likes the high-quality, high-tech care available to her which she receives through her employers HMO. She gets high-quality care and never needs to wait for treatment but equally enjoys the lower tax rate she pays, in part due to the U.S. government.
- If Claire and Margaret were unemployed or had low income, which system might they prefer? Would this change if they were in high-income tax brackets? Explain.
- Which system would you prefer? What trade-offs are you willing to make to have this type of healthcare system?