Nowadays, the US healthcare system heavily relies on public insurance programs serving people without insurance only in case of emergency. While being highly effective in the treatment of many diseases, it remains expensive and unaffordable for many individuals. For a better understanding of the specific characteristics of the national healthcare system of the USA, it is crucial to take a look at the similar policies established abroad.
Canadian system offers universal healthcare for every citizen providing additional services for children, elderly and veterans. It is absolutely free to use but waiting for treatment might take up to several months. Countries of the third world, Mexico and South Africa, also provide medical care for everyone but in these cases lack of professionals and recourses plays great negative role leaving many people without proper medical attention.
By taking the examples of Canada, Mexico and South Africa into account, it becomes clear that the system used in the US has some things in common with them. First, the USA has both private and public health insurance programs as Canada, Mexico and South Africa do. Second, since the adoption of 2010 Affordable Care Act citizens of the US can enjoy free access to some medical services – a measure that moves along with the other countries’ universal health coverage provisions.
However, the American healthcare system also has several conspicuous differences which might not be beneficial for the nation. I think that by adopting some foreign ideas in this area, the quality of the healthcare system can be improved. I am especially a strong proponent of the Mexican method, which implies that all of the residents get free health insurance with a wide range of services included, regardless of their social and financial status. The quality of the services and waiting periods might be far from exemplary, but at least people in need will be provided with professional treatment.
However, in my opinion, the prevalence of private health insurance should not be put under question. As Canadian experience indicates, when medicine is limited to public health sector only, inconvenience and bureaucracy are bound to flourish. It is also essential that American healthcare officials continue their work regarding the liberalization of medical service provided for those who are not covered by insurance. Through increasing the quality of public insurance programs, the US can provide every citizen with satisfactory medical care.