Systems
A Tale of Two Systems
Which of these Healthcare systems would you choose? The following comparison should answer this question as well as illustrate why a complete overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system is so vitally necessary.
Canada United States
Total healthcare spending ‘T’otal healthcare spending
per capita: $2,535 per capita: $4,673
All citizens covered I in 7 citizens not covered (45 million people)
and even more underinsured
Spending decreased as a percentage of (;DF’ Spending continues to increase as percentage of
from a high of 10.2% in the early 1990’s to (iDP 14% in 2000, est. to rise to 16% in the
9.2% in 2000 next few years ‘
Life expectancy - #2 in the world F.i fe expectancy - #25 in the world
Infant Mortality Rate: 5.6 per 1000 Infant Mortality Rate: 7.8 per 1000
General Mortality Rate: 71.2 per 1000 Oeneral Mortality Rate: 85.7 per 1000
Mortality Rate from communicable diseases Mortality Rate from communicable diseases
32.6 per 100,000 46.1 per 100,000
World Health Organization (WHO) Report World Health Organization (WHO) Report
2000- Overall attainment ranking #7 2000 - Overall attainment ranking #15
The United States healthcare system is not working. We desperately need a universal healthcare system, cost controls, and a prescription drug plan that guarantees coverage to all Americans.