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Originally Posted by the Shemp
we pay more for cigs and booze and gas... thats not much of a sacrifice for a national health care system...
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You also pay considerably more in income tax than us...
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generally though, canadians look at society as a whole, while americans look at it as individuals and that is the major difference between our countries.
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True, and we also want less government interference and a free market with competition.
Government workers have fewer incentives to do well. They have a set hourly schedule, cost-of-living raises, and few promotion opportunities. Compare this to private sector workers who can receive large raises, earn promotions, and work overtime. Government workers have iron-clad job security; private sector workers must always worry about keeping their jobs. There isn't a lot of flexibility built in to reward the best performing workers. Doctors who attract scores of patients and do the best work are paid the same as those that perform poorly and drive patients away. When you take that away, you discourage would-be students from putting themselves through the torture of medical school and residency, which overtime equals less doctors.
Also, something to keep in mind about health care in the United States. Even if you're uninsured it doesn't mean you can't receive health care; nonprofits and government-run hospitals provide services to those who don't have insurance, and it is illegal to refuse emergency medical service because of a lack of insurance.
Going back to the preference of less government interference; when the government controls things, politics always seep into the decision-making. Rules are put in place as to when doctors can perform certain expensive tests or when drugs can be given. Steps are taken to keep costs under control. Any risky or healthy lifestyle will raise the dollar cost to society which is why there are 'sin' taxes on things like alcohol, high-fat food, smoking, etc. This may sound like a good thing where you are from, but here in America it just gives the government too much power to control our lives, further eroding the very definition of America.
Also, health care equipment, drugs, and services end up being rationed by the government. In other words, politics, lifestyle of patients, and philosophical differences of those in power determines who gets what. You have politicians making health care decisions instead of medical or economics professions.