Posted on 07/09/2008 6:19:33 PM PDT by Kaslin
TORONTO — My country promises everyone quality health care coverage that is free at the point of service and financed through taxes. But unfortunately for me and millions of Canadians, the actions of our government all too often belie that generous pledge.
Canada's cost-conscious, government-run system wasn't there for me when I needed it most. Even worse, it continues to overlook the most fundamental rule of health care — that patients ought to come first.
As America considers ways to reform its health care system, I hope that my experience reminds decision makers that more government intrusion in health care is a poison pill.
No one should be forced to travel thousands of miles to obtain quality care. Yet that exactly is what I was forced to do after being diagnosed with a brain tumor three years ago.
After my government told me that I'd need to wait four to six months to see a neurologist and endocrinologist, and with my eyesight rapidly deteriorating, I decided to seek a diagnoses at the storied Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz.
After a battery of tests, the doctors there told me I needed treatment immediately and advised me to return home for surgery. I returned to Canada confident that no doctor would turn away a patient in such obvious need of care. I was wrong.
Ten days later I flew back to the Phoenix area and underwent successful surgery that removed the tumor and restored my vision.
(Excerpt) Read more at ibdeditorials.com ...
Those with health care will see their plans diluted to the level of Welfare health care - meaning, crap - as even illegal aliens are included.
I’m originally from Vancouver BC...
Try this...My aunt from Saskatchewan needed a SIMPLE MRI pronto. Used her health card like a good Canadian. She was on the waiting list for 3 FN months!!
How about another one: My elder cousin from Victoria needed a CAT SCAN to find out more about her headaches. She was placed on a WAITING LIST, right after seeing the specialist which took her an appointment of 35 days. The waiting list turned into another 30 days for a GD Cat Scan.
She had to drive to Washington State and pay for it and got the necc. info needed. When she got home to BC, the BC Medical Service billed her for COST of driving to America.
Unfreakin-believable.
Now you guys now why I immigrated here to America.
Here’s another goody: The govt TELLS YOU to pay your monthly premiums or they will ding your credit report. And Americans Canadian HC is free. Until now, I laugh at ignorant Americans who love free HC...
ping
Your scenario is exactly what happened in one my previous places of employment. Some years ago while working for one of this country's large corporations, the company decided to offer an extra health-care benefit which involved emergency care. The catch was people could only use this extra benny sparingly...only when really needed. What happened was people started using this extra benefit to take their kids to emergency for sniffles. In very short order the company withdrew this benefit. The moral of the story: if something can be abused, it will be.
In this country my dog or cat can get superior and faster treatment than I can. America has to ask themselves....is this what you want for your future.
As I understand it, healthcare is supported by an 11% payroll tax in Canada. Is that a correct figure?
No you big goof!
I was being sarcastic.
Great post! I caught this on Prager’s show today. I have been compiling info for some time now regarding the flaws of the universal health care systems around the world.
Keep spreading the word so we don’t get stuck with this hideous system.
Yes, indeed. Every time I hear someone say “free” I want to scream.
No.
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