Thursday, April 14, 2016

Canadian Health Care

Okay, I know our wait times might be a little longer for non emergencies but I'll take it any day over what the Americans have.  One of my friends told me that her co-pay alone could hit $6000 in a year.  That doesn't happen to us Canadians!

Shelley was shocked to hear I have to wait a whole week for an ultrasound on my arm and 2 more weeks to wait for therapy.  But I won't receive one single bill for these services and my problem is not an emergency.

I have to point out to her again that she should remember the excellent care her father got when he was diagnosed with cancer.  His illness lasted a whole year and he had full and quick access to doctors, hospitals, medication, treatments, equipment for home use, and home care nurses.  None of these cost us a cent.  If it had we could have lost our house to pay for it.  Either that or we could not have afforded the things that made him comfortable on his journey.  Government health care, even one with flaws like our own, gives us security.

We pay high taxes in Canada but it's worth it to have our universal health care system.  I'm old enough to remember when we didn't so I know the difference.

I've experienced health care in the States and been amazed at how luxurious it seems in comparison to our own but Americans pay a hefty price for that luxury.  It's great if you can afford it but the average citizen simply can't unless they have good coverage through their workplace.  Not everyone has that coverage so the poor receive substandard care.  In Canada, we are treated equally.  Americans call that "socialism" and I guess it is but I'll take it any day over what I see in the States.

In any case, my arm hurts a bit and I will be taken care of at no cost to me.  The wheels, albeit slower in motion, are still in motion.


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