General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: My experience with Universal health Care [View all]pandr32
(11,447 posts)and find it difficult to adjust to the health-care system here. I have primary and secondary and still wind up paying out of pocket--not to mention the monthly fees. One of the things I loved in Canada was that the "Care Card" is the same for all, regardless of circumstance. I have heard countless stories here of an inferior health care system there (waiting so long some people die for example). Never have I waited long for care there, but here--sometimes it takes several months to schedule an appointment with a specialist. I wind up on waiting lists and often see their nurse practitioner instead. In one instance I have only met the doctor when a procedure was scheduled and he showed up to perform it.
Meanwhile, In Canada, my mother is receiving care at home instead of in a facility and it is covered. My sister found a lump on her neck and was examined, put on treatment, and is receiving follow-up care now without paying a dime. The stress of the illness was enough without going broke as well. Her daughter (almost eight now) was born severely premature, spent two months in the hospital, and gets together with other "preemies" born there once a year for an annual check for special developmental problems that often occur with preemies, and a party--all covered through health care. It is a day long event. Imagine a hospital inviting you back to have their specialists examine you and invite you and your family to a catered party each year at no cost!