Do you think a single-tier medical system like Canada's is just what we need in the US? Think again. It isn't really a single-tier system at all.

The supporters of our supposed single-tier health-care system are aghast that Thursday's Supreme Court ruling could threaten Canadians' equal access to treatment.

It is a long-held myth, of course, that there is no queue-jumping in this country. Most Canadians have no special privileges when it comes to receiving care, but some do. Military personnel, the RCMP, prisoners and workers' compensation claimants don't fall under the medicare umbrella.

So while the typical Canadian waits and waits for a diagnostic test or surgery, the members of these groups are entitled to speedy access. All of them are exempt from the Canada Health Act.

In fact, the reality is that there exists a four-tiered system of health care in Canada.

We've probably got a four-tier system, quips Nadeem Esmail, senior health policy analyst with the Fraser Institute. The first tier comprises those who are wealthy enough to go abroad for timely care, he says.

The second is made up of the aforementioned special population groups - military, RCMP, prisoners and WCB claimants. I suppose you could include professional athletes in that tier. They have private insurance and don't have to wait in line.

People in the third tier have pull or influence - they know a doctor or have a friend on the hospital board, says Esmail.

In the fourth tier are average Canadians who need care but have no way of expediting the process.

In other words, the average taxpayer gets screwed. Why should we expect it to be any different here?

Posted by: Greg at 05:56 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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