The truth about Canadian healthcare

[B_sugarandspice]

Please tell me what it is really like to have health care in Canada.
Do you have to wait for procedures ?
In the US there is a lot of propaganda denouning the qualitiof. of care in Canada.

I had a spinal procedure and my doctor told me that I would have to wait a long time for the same thing if I lived in Cananda unless I could pay upfront. The procedure was radiofrequency or "RF".
I think the doctor is ignorant or lying.
I saw a documentary and the Canadians said they absolutely do not have to wait for medical care.
Please tell me about Canadian health care.
I considering moving to Canada.
I own my own business so I wouldn't have a problem with not being allowed to work.

 

[Phil Ayesho]

People denouncing national health care are classifiable into one of three categories...
The rich who make money off of healthcare profits and for whom the cost of health insurance is a pittance.

The politicians who get donations from the healthcare for profit lobbies... and who, by the way , HAVE the best national healthcare plan in the world, but just for congressmen.

And the stupefied conservative dupes who mouth the republican party line because they are too ignorant and fearful to think for themselves.


If congress passed a law tomorrow saying that health insurers could not deny coverage to anyone... you can bet the health care companies would start SCREAMING for national health care...

The whole concept of insurance is that you spread the risk across the whole population.


That the richest nation on earth can not provide health care as a basic human right is embarrassing.
The government wouldn't pay for it... WE would... because we pay for EVERYTHING the govenrment does.

The folks against it don't like is because they don't believe in the re-distribution of wealth... they want it all to accrue into THEIR hands.





And as to Canadians having to wait......

Who the fuck cares if you have to wait...... For an ever increasing number of uninsured Americans... they don't even get the option of WAITING for care....

They just get to wait for death.

 

[223790]

We pay a lot of tax, but it is completely worth it when it come to our medicare system. I've never had a problem with it and neither has anyone in my family. I went to see my GP who sent me to a specialist and I had my surgery (non serious) within a few weeks. My father had chest pains, was admitted into the hospital that day and had a triple by-pass the next day. It costs nothing for the doctor visit, the hospital stay and the surgery.

Any politician in Canada that has suggested tampering with the Canada Health Act is committing political suicide. Canadians won't stand for it. We don't want a system like the U.S. The movie "Sicko" is very accurate. The lies and myths you hear in the U.S. about the Canadian health care system is total fear mongering. Do you really think the establishment down there wants anything to change? There is way too much money at stake.

Another myth that I've heard is that Canadians go to the U.S. to get medical treatment and that Americans have to pay for it. That is a load of B.S. It is true that Canadians have gone to the U.S. at times for some procedures because of backlogs here, but it is paid for in full by the Canadian government/taxpayers, not Americans. In Canada the ability to get medical treatment does not depend on your income, and Canadians will never have to sell their houses or wipe out their life savings to get medical treatment. I would rather pay higher taxes and know that I have free health care anytime I need it. Even though taxes are higher here we enjoy a lot of social programs and our federal government has still managed to post a surplus every year for pretty much the last decade. There is no recession in Canada and there are plenty of jobs, the dollar is strong (on par with the U.S. and sometimes worth more) and real estate values have increased year after year because sub-prime mortgages are a rarity and extremely difficult to get in Canada.

A friend of mine in the the U.S. told me that he has to pay over $20,000.00/year for private health insurance for his family of four, and then he has to pay his taxes on top of that. I don't pay anywhere near $20,000.00/year in tax, so I think we get a pretty good deal for our tax dollars.

I feel bad for you guys down there. My wife and I watched the movie "Sicko" and we were aboslutely stunned at what is going on in the medical system in the U.S. God have mercy on the politician that dares tamper with what we have here in Canada because Canadians sure won't! They would be voted out of power so quickly their heads would spin and they know it.

 

[Bbucko]

Their health care is yet another reason to admire our friends in the icy, northern tundra above the US.

 

[D_Thoraxis_Biggulp]

I considered moving there until I learned how long it takes to acquire citizenship and thus qualify for the universal healthcare. I forget exactly what the time frame was; I just remember that it sounded like too long to wait.

 

[2322]

I considered moving there until I learned how long it takes to acquire citizenship and thus qualify for the universal healthcare. I forget exactly what the time frame was; I just remember that it sounded like too long to wait.

Yeah well, that issue will take care of itself. As you get older time moves much faster. :wink:

 

[D_Thoraxis_Biggulp]

I've noticed that, but I wasn't sure if it was age or wanting/needing to get something done in a certain time. Time-sensitive bullshit, if you will. You know like "Oh hey, I need to find a new apartment within the next 2 months," and the next thing I know it's 8 weeks later and I've still got nothing.

 

[JustAsking]

I've noticed that, but I wasn't sure if it was age or wanting/needing to get something done in a certain time. Time-sensitive bullshit, if you will. You know like "Oh hey, I need to find a new apartment within the next 2 months," and the next thing I know it's 8 weeks later and I've still got nothing.

Yeah, thats pretty much how it works. But as you get older, you just don't care as much.

 

[montanaguy]

Yes, the health care system in Canada is one reason why I would like to be able to move up there and eventually become a naturalized citizen, but the $10,000.00 needed and proof thereof, is one of the reasons that I haven't done so yet. The 3 out of 4 years of naturalization towards Canadian citizenship wouldn't be bad at all, while having to wait. I do, however, have the goal of hoping to accomplish it by the year 2015 provided everything works out so that it becomes a reality for me.

 

[Jovial]

It is true that Canadians have gone to the U.S. at times for some procedures because of backlogs here, but it is paid for in full by the Canadian government/taxpayers, not Americans.

If the U.S. had the same system with backlogs, then where would the Canadians go if they had a backlog? It appears that their system depends on the U.S. system.

In Canada the ability to get medical treatment does not depend on your income, and Canadians will never have to sell their houses or wipe out their life savings to get medical treatment.

Isn't there less incentive to work if the health care is free? Getting health insurance is a motivation to get an education and a decent job.

I just wonder how many of the uninsured Americans are uninsured by choice. I mean they choose not to have (and keep) a job with health benefits.

(Sorry, I didn't address the OPs questions.)

 

[shadow28]

Their health care is yet another reason to admire our friends in the icy, northern tundra above the US.

Thanks for the props and I know you're being sarcastic... but you wouldn't believe how many of our American friends think that the moment they cross the border (say from Niagara Falls NY to Niagara Falls ON, which is due west), the temperature drops 40 degrees instantly.

Please educate your fellow citizens, wherever possible, that this is not the case. Skis on your car roof when crossing the border in July are not only not useful, they are not cool.

BTW, Canada's health care system seems to up quite a bit these days in US election-year politics, especially among some conservatives who seem to abhor it as an example of the terrible dreaded "socialism" which is apparently so un-American.

Well, our system is definitely not perfect - there are huge problems with funding and some long wait times, depending on where you live and what your ailment is...

But I think I speak for most Canadians when I say that we are VERY glad to have it - in fact we probably take it for granted a little too much.

 

[Principessa]

If the U.S. had the same system with backlogs, then where would the Canadians go if they had a backlog? It appears that their system depends on the U.S. system.

Their backlog isn't that great and it isn't in all areas of medicine. Are you aware that we have people in the USA who die before they get approved through their insurance for certain surgical procedures?

Isn't there less incentive to work if the health care is free? Getting health insurance is a motivation to get an education and a decent job.

No, I want to work so I can buy pretty shoes and dresses. :smile: I need the benefits, but I want pretty stuff.

I just wonder how many of the uninsured Americans are uninsured by choice. I mean they choose not to have (and keep) a job with health benefits.

Are you trying to play devil's advocate again? If so, you may want to re-phrase your question. As it stands now it makes no sense. Who the hell in their right mind would choose not to work and not have benefits?!? Which brings us to mental health care in this country being in even worse condition than the standard health care system. :12:

 

[shadow28]

Isn't there less incentive to work if the health care is free? Getting health insurance is a motivation to get an education and a decent job.

No, there is not less incentive to work if the health care is free - that idea quite honestly doesn't even make sense, to your buds here north of the border.

We still need to pay for rent or mortgages, food, utilities, taxes, and everything else. Incentives to get educated and get a better job should be completely unrelated to being healthy, or being sick! Unless you're an American, apparently.

Do you think we all just sit around, up here in Canada? Everyone I know has a job and pays taxes - which helps pay for the health care system.

 

[D_Tintagel_Demondong]

Healthcare in Canada is much like the education system in the US. It's mandated by the Federal government, but each province is in charge of who gets what. There is a slight difference in healthcare between the provinces.

Ontario has a list of procedures that are covered by OHIP. Many procedures, like eye exams, are not free. Drugs are not free unless you are on some kind of assistance. Many Canucks have private drug insurance, or supplemental healthcare insurance. Of course, private hospitals are still an option if you want to pay or if your private insurance will cover them.

Being 'free' isn't always good. Seniors are over-medicated, despite a recent imposition $2.00 per prescription dispensing fee. There are a few expensive procedures that are not covered. I disagree with the idea that free healthcare stagnates research, or that there is a continuous backlog of patients. I have never waited in an emergency room for longer than an hour, and Canada is a world leader in pharmaceutical research. The system isn't perfect, but we worked hard to get it and we are afraid to lose it.

 

[2322]

Come on bbucko, we're waiting....

 

[Bbucko]

Thanks for the props and I know you're being sarcastic... but you wouldn't believe how many of our American friends think that the moment they cross the border (say from Niagara Falls NY to Niagara Falls ON, which is due west), the temperature drops 40 degrees instantly.
.

Darling, I've been to Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City over and over since I was being wheeled around in a stroller. I love Canada...always have.

And having attended Gay Pride in Montreal for about four years (96-00), I can confirm that it is hotter than Florida (but not quite as soupy). The winters, however, are unbearable. I could never tolerate them.

Isn't there less incentive to work if the health care is free? Getting health insurance is a motivation to get an education and a decent job.

I just wonder how many of the uninsured Americans are uninsured by choice. I mean they choose not to have (and keep) a job with health benefits.

I am uninsurable in the US. I am HIV+, have a painful degenerative cervical disc condition that is continuing to degenerate. I am prone to Migraine because of my neck problems (confirmed by neurologists when I still had insurance), and twenty years of taking Ibuprofen over-the-counter has resulted in intense Acid Reflux which Nexium helps to control, but isn't on the formulary of the county HIV medications, so I eat a lot of Tums.

Peripheral Neuropathy in my feet, which is caused both as a side effect of several meds I took to control HIV for over 10 years, combined with the fact that HIV itself causes neurological disturbances.

I've been rejected for Disability twice, but probably because I needed a lawyer (or, maybe, a better lawyer). But when my health insurance was cancelled in 2003, I was obliged to take a steep paycut in order to remain eligible for care under state/county income restriction guidelines, forcing me to move, allow my car to be repoed and otherwise bankrupting me.

If we had universal health care, I'd have still been able to keep my professional job instead of the low-paying jobs I do now just to eat and keep a roof over my head. But since many plans here in Florida allow denial for coverage of pre-existing conditions for up to 18 months, I'd be paying high premiums while being unable to avail myself of care.

And the real kicker: I'd no longer be eligible for any state/county HIV care because I'd have insurance.

 

[2322]

That's what I'm talkin' 'bout!

 

[rawbone8]

There are issues worth researching and getting legitimate advice to determine if you qualify for immigration. There is a points system for one thing. There are extensive medical exams by government approved doctors as part of the immigration process.

Q: If I have a serious medical condition but still meet the eligibility criteria of the skilled category, will I still be accepted?

A: Unfortunately any applicant who lodges an application under either the Skilled or Business category of visas, then you must meet the requirements of the medical examination. This screens applicants who may be deemed a health or social care drain on their public system in Canada. So even if you met all the other requirements such as pass mark, security background checks, you would fail an application if deemed unsuccessful at the medical stage.

Medical exam requirements for permanent residents

You must pass a medical examination before coming to Canada. Your dependants must also pass a medical examination even if they are not coming with you.

Applications for permanent residence will not be accepted if that person’s health:

• is a danger to public health or safety; or
• would cause excessive demand on health or social services in Canada.

Medical Examination Instructions
Instructions on how to take the medical examination will normally be sent to you after you submit your application to the visa office.

Validity
You can only use your examination results in your application for 12 months from when you had the examination. If you are not admitted to Canada as a permanent resident within this time, you will be required to undergo another examination.

Authorized Doctors
Your own doctor cannot do the medical examination. You must see a physician on Canada’s list of Designated Medical Practitioners.

Medical Report Procedures
Medical reports and x-rays for the medical examination become the property of the Canadian Immigration Medical Authorities and cannot be returned to you.

The doctor will not tell you the results of the medical examination. The doctor will let you know if you have a health-related problem.

The designated medical practioner does not make the final decision. Citizenship and Immigration Canada will make the final decision on whether or not you have passed your medical examination for immigration purposes.

The visa office will tell you in writing if there is a problem with your medical examination.

Medical Exams and Criminal Checks

 

[Ethyl]

Isn't there less incentive to work if the health care is free? Getting health insurance is a motivation to get an education and a decent job.

I just wonder how many of the uninsured Americans are uninsured by choice. I mean they choose not to have (and keep) a job with health benefits.

Maybe there are Americans who choose to be uninsured but I don't understand why they would make that choice unless they were being paid "under the table".

I received my health insurance packet this week after three months on my new job. Tears sprang to my eyes when I held the card in my hands and read my name on it. I haven't had health insurance for over three years. My last employer promised me a plan before the end of the year and it never happened, one of the reasons I left that job.

I know i'm not alone.

I know people who are stuck in jobs they don't like because they're afraid of losing their healthcare plan through their employer. People who won't seek basic preventative care because they simply cannot afford it. People who are in-between jobs, COBRA has run its course, aren't eligible for Medicaid and are stuck paying $85 just for an office visit IF they can even afford that.

I would suggest every American should have access to the same healthcare that's available to members of Congress. That, of course, is wishful thinking.

 

[erratic]

I remember once seeing an ad on American TV with a quote from the Globe and Mail (big Canadian newspaper) editorial about how "Canada's health care system is in crisis" blah blah blah, and then the ad said that's why you shouldn't vote for proposition whatever to allow affordable Canadian drugs to be sold to senior citizens.

Anyway the editorial, which I'd read, was about how Canada's healthcare system was in crisis because of politicians (who have since changed their tune) who wanted to make it like the American system which was, to paraphrase, an absolute disaster, leaving many poor (many of whom are children), elderly, and mentally ill without necessary coverage.

So I guess I would tell you that Americans who try to say our system sucks are, like the people who made that ad, liars, ignorant, or both.