Medicare (Canada)

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Medicare (Canada)

Medicare (/'mɛdɪkɛər/; from the Latin medicus, meaning "doctor" or "physician") is the publicly funded healthcare system in Canada. Unlike the Medicare system in the United States, which is an age-based health insurance program, Medicare in Canada is a comprehensive system of healthcare insurance available to all Canadian residents.

History

The concept of Medicare in Canada began in the province of Saskatchewan in 1962 under the leadership of Tommy Douglas, who is often referred to as the "Father of Medicare". The system was later adopted by the federal government and implemented nationwide in 1966.

Coverage

Medicare provides coverage for a variety of healthcare services, including visits to doctors, specialists, and hospital stays. Some provinces may also cover additional services such as physiotherapy, prescription drugs, and dental care. However, coverage can vary from province to province.

Funding

Medicare is funded by taxes from both the federal and provincial governments, as well as through premiums in some provinces. The federal government sets the basic standards for healthcare coverage, but each province has the flexibility to manage and administer its own Medicare program.

Criticism and Controversy

While Medicare is generally well-regarded in Canada, it has faced criticism for long wait times, lack of coverage for certain services, and the sustainability of its funding model. There have also been debates about the role of private healthcare in the Canadian system.

See Also

External links

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