Ep #180: Cross Border Benefits with Ron Hansell

Every time talk turns to single payer, folks use the Canadian healthcare system as a reference. How does that system really work and does it provide better care for our northern neighbors?For answers, we went to our Canadian friend Ron Hansell, President of Cross Border Benefits. We start by asking Ron for an overview of their system – just to level-set the discussion. He explains how their system is paid for, what it costs and how their citizens interact with it.We discuss some of the results of a recent Fraser Institute study about how their costs are rising and how and why so many Canadians seek care abroad – most in the United States. We also look at the effect of ever-lengthening waiting times for treatment that seems to be inherent in their health care arrangement.An ever-growing number of U.S. companies have a presence in Canada, and Ron explains what those companies and their advisors need to know to advise them properly.What You’ll Learn from This Episode:What the Canadian Healthcare System is like.What the Canadian system costs.How Canadians interact with the system.How lengthy wait times drive Canadians to the U.S. for healthcare.What U.S. companies need to know about benefits in Canada.