Presently, among affluent industrialized nations, the United States stands as the sole country that

has not attained universal healthcare coverage. The current healthcare system of the nation is
marked by inefficiency, unaffordability, lack of sustainability, and inaccessibility for a significant
portion of the population (Crowley et al., 2020). Additionally, numerous individuals in the
United States struggle to afford health insurance, and even for those who are insured, significant
barriers to healthcare persist due to high costs. The prevalence of employer-sponsored insurance
has declined, and its affordability has diminished compared to previous years, resulting in
increased deductibles and reduced benefits (Crowley et al., 2020). In Canada, despite its
advantages, publicly funded healthcare systems also face challenges. One of the most commonly
cited drawbacks is the presence of wait times for non-emergency medical procedures and
specialist consultations. While prioritizing urgent cases, some patients may experience delays in
accessing certain services. Critics argue that publicly funded healthcare systems may limit
patient choice and hinder medical innovation. Centralized decision-making and budget
constraints could potentially restrict access to advanced treatments and technologies available in
more market-driven healthcare models. Additionally, financing a publicly funded healthcare
system often requires higher taxation rates to sustain comprehensive coverage, leading to
concerns about government intrusion in healthcare decisions and potential bureaucratic
inefficiencies.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the debate surrounding publicly funded healthcare systems versus predominantly
private models encompasses complex considerations regarding access, cost, quality of care, and
individual freedoms. While Canada's system illustrates the potential benefits of universal
coverage and cost containment, it also highlights challenges such as wait times and limitations
on choice. Ultimately, the effectiveness of any healthcare system depends on a delicate balance
of policy choices tailored to the unique needs and values of each society.
References
Crowley, R., Daniel, H., Cooney, T. G., & Engel, L. S. (2020). Envisioning a better U.S. Health
Care System for all: Coverage and cost of care. Annals of Internal Medicine,
172(2_Supplement). https://doi.org/10.7326/m19-2415