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 ...
Access to a waiting list is not access to health care.
I think this was the woman who was on Laura Ingraham’s show the other day.
Amazing story. Makes me REALLY want the National Health Care now!
Canada, England, and Norway we are seeing right before our eyes what irresponsible, reckless, governemnt control of national health care, immigration, appeasment and catering to special ethnic and interest groups, heavy taxation on corporations and the public are doing to thier countries. It will be a long road back if it is possible at all and a clear picture for America if we do turn this page.
Good that she was on TV. This needs to get out. The more people that hear this, the better.
Why? So you can go to Canada and wait until the doctor sees you?
I live in a Border town. We have a few MRI shops in town that actively market to Canadians coming across the border to get faster diagnosis.
A few years ago I remember a scene on the news where George Smitherman, Ontario’s Health Minister and High Shaman of socialized medicine, went nuts because “American Corporations” were intending to make money off innocent Canadians by operating mobile MRI units that could cross the border. It was like watching Kruschev bang his shoe at the UN.
Unfortunately, with such people in charge of Canada’s socialized medicine, all I can say is GOOD LUCK.
This reminds me of a story by one of my post-grad professors.
Government health care is rationed health care.
Younger/higher contributions to society = “preferred” status, faster response.
Older/pensioners = go on “the list,” maybe get seen before terminal.
Canadians come to the United States whenever they have a really serious medical problem. Government health care will bankrupt the country and provide a politicized health care system that will provide the American citizen with third world level medical care. Our way of life is threatened.
Frankly, I don't think individual American can afford such treatment as a general rule and should be abandoned to their sloppy, incorrectly operated, but familiar system with its high prices.
I explain it to people like this: If all the food in the grocery store were free, would people come along and just take what they needed? No, they would take everything they could carry, especially the more expensive items. Health care is the same. People would flood the doctors offices wanting free checkups and free medicine and free treatment for their overbite or rotten teeth or acne or hangnail. That means that the people who are REALLY sick often will wait hours and hours to be seen and months for treatment. When I was in the Navy, I had a badly infected ingrown toenail. I went to sick call and was basically told that I could not see a doctor that day or even get a prescription for the infection for at least two weeks. I went home and performed surgery on myself to relive the pain I was in.
I remember when the HMOs came out in the 80’s. The doctors were turning away patients then.
btt
Yes, this isn’t the first horror story I’ve heard. A friend’s Mom was born in the UK and had 2 sisters who put waited nearly a year for CAT scans and both died shortly after having them since their tumors were so advanced. Free healthcare (what an oxymoron! 60% income tax more like it!) is probably grat if you need a free flu shot, but don’t dare get really sick!
thanks, bfl
Government-run health care is the surest way to a “Logan’s Run” future.
Soon the crippled, the chronically ill, the mentally retarded, the schizophrenic and those over 70 will all be snuffed for the “greater good.”
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
Our “familiar system” is partially state-run and represents the worst of both worlds. It is soon going to grow so expensive that everyone will finally throw up their hands and scream for Hillarycare even if they know they’ll get screwed.
That’s what the dems have been banking on for years. They write onerous regulations and expensive mandates and expansions of Medicare/Medicaid/SCHIP knowing full well what the consequences will eventually be.
Just like turd world state-run oil companies, state-run medicine is not answerable to customers, shareholders, media, etc. and can do just as it pleases to whomever it likes.
A good comment heard elsewhere:
“Support socialized medicine to kill off the baby boomers quickly. Then we can go back to a real health care system.”
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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