Socioeconomic Status, Service Patterns, and Perceptions of Care Among Survivors of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Canada

Abstract

Canada's universal health insurance system provides comprehensive coverage for most medical and hospital services without user fees at point of service. Under such provisions, patients are entitled to equitable access to health care services based on medical need, regardless of affluence, education, social position, or race. Known as "Medicare," this social program has iconic status in Canada and is unique among industrialized nations in banning any parallel private insurance of publicly insured services.¹