I trust you are not asking me to describe years of discussions, observations and experiences but rather my conclusions.
I wouldn’t be concerned about needing care at any level on either side of the border although I have to admit, part of that comfort comes with the knowledge I could probably access both sides if necessary so my level of comfort is a little compromised that way.
The healthcare in many parts of the states is truly the best money can buy. Unfortunately, many can’t afford it and are denied access. The healthcare in Canada is easily accessed when truly needed and available to all on an equal basis. My elderly MIL in Canada lives in an assisted living type situation as do many her age. It’s a fine facility that I doubt most would find any fault with at all. Due to her age and the age of many of her friends she has higher than normal healthcare needs. We have never had any reason at all to be concerned about the healthcare she receives.
My sister is struggling with a prolonged battle with Cancer in the US. Her proximity to Roswell Cancer center in the Buffalo area has been a huge advantage to her and something that probably would not have been available in Canada, at least at that level.
The thing that always comes to mind for me is as I said earlier, how people view healthcare on either side of the border. We could go a long way in this country by disallowing law makers to exempt themselves from a system they force constituents into. Also, seeing my sister and the family having to fight with insurance companies while at times she is on her death bed is obscene and outrageous.
In the end, I believe both systems have strengths and weaknesses and I can’t say one is better than the other overall. I do think it is a little telling that Canadians are basically happy with their system and Americans are not. I used to think it would be wise to take the strengths of both and try to combine them. I now know that is not possible because Americans and Canadians think differently about how the subject should even be approached, as my earlier post pointed out.