Why can't America's healthcare system be more like Canada's?

Here's what most people who ask that question think they know about Canadian-style healthcare.

1. Everybody gets covered.

2. It's free. 3. It's great.

1. It's true. Everybody is covered.

2. It's false. Nothing is free.

Canadians pay for their insurance through their taxes.

And as you might expect, the tax rates in Canada are very high.

And number 3 is, well, let's just say it's questionable.

Let's find out how questionable.

But before we do, let me tell you a bit about me.

I was born and raised in Montreal, Canada.

That makes me French-Canadian.

I'm so French-Canadian, my name Alan is spelled ALAN.

I have also lived and worked in the United States.

I've experienced both Canadian healthcare and American healthcare.

Here are some of my experiences with the Canadian system.

The one so many Americans aspire to.

I believe they are typical.

So do the Canadians I know.

Experience number 1.

In September 2000, my wife was 7 months pregnant with our youngest daughter.

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