Health Care and Pensions in Canada and the United States

Abstract

Canada and the United States are typically regarded as 'laggards' in welfare state development. They are regularly classified together as 'liberal' welfare states, with relatively lower levels of welfare state fiscal effort and coverage. There is some truth to this portrait overall, but in comparison to one another and in terms of specific social policies, it is the differences that stand out. These differences are evident in a number of important respects: the structure and distribution of health care and pension benefits; the levels of effort to assist particular groups; and, as well, the timing and coverage of specific programs.