Agreed - our system has it's faults, and those with the cash can and do go to private clinics in the US and abroad, and that's a great option that those with money have, and it takes the burden off the system for those who can't pay.
In line with your statement, you may be on a waiting list in Canada, and the list is prioritized, it's not just based on who is next in line, in the US, no cash, no health plan, you're dead...red, white, or blue.
edited to add:
Going to get an :OT alert!!!