On topic here is the healthcare view from one provider Canada: I first started having a problem just before last Christmas, got on the waitlist to see specialist in January, saw him in April, then in May he decided it was too advanced for him and was put on the list to see another specialist. I saw him in late August and am now waiting for the call to have surgery. Meanwhile the problem is nearing on completely debilitating.
I think concerns about rationing and wait lists are legitimate. I do like that you have choices of providers though which we haven't had here since the early '70s in my part of Canada. I have in the past always had people asking about how they can move to Canada from the U.S. when they find out I am Canadian and am down there, usually they cited healthcare as a main reason, but then they often had ideas that things were covered that in fact aren't (like dental). Over time we have seen many procedures de-listed from what is covered, so in a way we are creeping towards s user pay two tier model.
My previous relationship was with an Alaskan man who was diagnosed with cancer and the costs involved despite having employer insurance was staggering to me and kept us from marrying as planned as I had health costs of my own. He was in the operating room within days of diagnosis however which speed amazed me, and in fact his surgeon was trained in Canada. It's all very complicated. I hope it becomes less political, that part is hard to follow as I know Romney originally promoted the same basic model of affordable care in Massachusetts and then later decided it was terrible for the whole country to have. Very confusing stuff that!
|