Which one has better Healthcare for newcomer : Canada or USA

Last Updated On : June 25 , 2024

One of the main reasons newcomers choose Canada as their new home is access to a publicly funded universal healthcare system. In each Canadian province, a portion of the taxes paid by citizens and residents is allocated by the provincial government to administer medical care services.

This ensures that eligible individuals can receive basic health and medical assistance at no cost or a significantly reduced cost. The strong healthcare system in Canada is a major attraction for those seeking quality medical care.

Healthcare Policies for New Immigrants- Canada vs USA

The text below will help you compare how the Canadian government and HHS in the United States manage health policies for new immigrants.

Here’s various points of healthcare policies for new Immigrants of Canada vs USA.

Canada’s Healthcare System	USA’s Healthcare System
Canada's healthcare system is a single-payer system funded primarily by the Federal Government and administered by individual Provinces and Territories.	The HHS and State-Level Health Departments are responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of health policies.
Canada has a hybrid model with characteristics of several systems. Universal Access Public Funding Focus on Preventive Care	The current US healthcare system is a complex mix of public and private programs, including: Employer-based insurance Medicare Medicaid Veterans Health Administration (VA)
Canada offers universal healthcare coverage to legal residents.	The US system is a patchwork of public and private programs with many uninsured individuals.
Foreign workers with valid work permits and international students can apply for public health insurance.	Generally, foreign workers with work permits are not eligible for public health insurance programs like Medicare or Medicaid.
The Canada wellbeing Act (CHA) points to secure advance, and reestablish the physical and mental well-being of Canada inhabitants.	The Affordable Care Act (ACA) established health insurance marketplaces where individuals can purchase private health insurance plans.

U.S. Department of HEALTH AND Human Services (HHS) Vs Health Canada

U.S. Department of HHS

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) oversees national public health policies and human services, protecting the well-being of Americans through healthcare initiatives and emergency response efforts, led by Secretary Xavier Becerra.

The U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, under the Surgeon General, plays a vital role in advancing public health initiatives and ensuring national health security through dedicated service and expertise.

Health Canada

The Secretary of State for Health in Canada oversees the Health Portfolio, comprising key agencies like Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and others, dedicated to promoting and protecting the health of Canadians with a substantial annual budget and staff.

Canadian Health Act Vs Medicare and Medicaid

Here are some major differences between Canada's healthcare system and the United States' Medicare and Medicaid programs:

Canadian Health Act (CHA)

The Canada Health Act (CHA), is the federal law governing publicly funded health insurance in Canada.
Its fundamental objective is to characterise Canadian wellbeing care policy’s essential objective “to ensure, advance and reestablish the physical and mental well-being of inhabitants of Canada and encourage sensitive get to wellbeing administrations without monetary or other barriers.”
Under the CHA, areas and regions must meet particular criteria and conditions with respect to backup plan wellbeing administrations and expanded wellbeing care administrations to qualify for full government subsidizing through the Canada Wellbeing Exchange (CHT).
The CHA aims to ensure that all eligible residents of Canada can access insured health services without direct charges at the point of service, funded in advance.

Medicare and Medicaid

Medicaid and Medicare were both established under President Lyndon Johnson's Great Society legislation in 1965 but serve distinct purposes.

Medicaid provides public assistance to financially disadvantaged Americans of any age. On the other hand, Medicare is a federal health insurance program that ensures coverage for individuals aged 65 and above, as well as certain younger people with disabilities.

Medical Expenses in Canada vs USA

Let’s compare healthcare costs between Canada and the United States across various categories:

Type Of Expenses	Canada	USA
Hospital Expenses	Hospital stays are generally covered by the publicly funded healthcare system, with no direct charges to patients.	Hospital costs are often considerably higher due to the private healthcare system, leading to substantial bills for stays, treatments of injuries add illnesses.
Cost of Doctor's Appointments	Doctor's visits are covered by the public system, usually without out-of-pocket expenses for primary care.	Doctor's appointment costs vary based on insurance coverage. Without insurance, expenses can be significant, especially for specialist consultations.
Prescription Medication Costs	Prescription drugs are more affordable due to government regulation and bulk purchasing, resulting in lower costs for patients.	Prescription prices are frequently much higher, posing financial challenges for many Americans, even with insurance coverage.
Ambulance Charges	Emergency room visits are covered under the public system.	Emergency room expenses can be significant, particularly for those lacking insurance coverage.
Emergency Care Costs	Lower drug prices benefit patients.	High medication costs are a significant concern for many Americans.

Public & Private Healthcare Policies in Canada & USA

Let’s compare Public & Private healthcare policies in Canada & USA

Private health insurance in the USA can provide extensive coverage and quicker access to healthcare services, but it typically involves higher expenses.

In contrast, public health insurance offers universal access and cost-efficiency but may restrict choice and lead to longer waiting periods for treatments in Canada.

Telemedicine Availability – Canada vs USA

Did you know that in Canada, 60% of healthcare visits were virtual in April 2020, but by 2021 that number dropped to 40%? One of the hurdles they face is developing the right laws and regulations for virtual care. They are also working on figuring out how to pay for it through the publicly funded healthcare system.

Meanwhile, in the US, Congress created more regulations to make it easier for people to access telehealth visits during COVID-19. Now, policymakers are thinking about how to combine in-person visits with telehealth. Exciting stuff!

Health Services for Refugees in Canada and the USA

Canada

USA

Medical screenings to detect health conditions, administer immunizations and provide referrals.
Providing refugee health promotion, health education, outreach, healthcare navigation support and wellness group activities.
Survivors of torture program.

Conclusion

While the two countries' healthcare systems have different approaches and challenges, publicly funded universal Canada’s CHA provides comprehensive coverage for its residents, including newcomers. Meanwhile, the US has a more complex, multi-modal system.

If you require additional information about health policies in Canada, we recommend visiting the official government website.

For inquiries regarding Canadian immigration, please get in touch with our PAIC team.