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Richard54 · 06-17-2009, 02:27 AM

Michael Moore ?

LOL

He is an honorary Canadian....

I have an autographed copy of his book, 'Downsize This', gotten a few years back when I attended a speaking engagement he did at a local University. He's one funny dude.

Our medical system in Canada certainly has its drawbacks, but I believe the vast majority of us up here hold it very dear indeed.

The whole country has a medicare type system. Some provinces charge monthly premiums and others don't, they fund it entirely through general revenue.

Myself, I'm in B.C. which charges premiums.
I pay $54 @ month.

I've never, ever had a problem seeing a doctor when needed.
You just show your 'medical card' (looks like a credit card), and in you go.

However we do experience 'waiting lists' for operations and procedures.
You quite often have to wait to see a referred specialist.

Last year I had a hernia and had to wait 6 months for surgery, after already waiting 3 months to see the surgeon. I drank my face off waiting.....

However, if you are in seriously dire straights, you are taken care of pronto. My mom had a heart attack and was getting a bypass within a week.

There's no charge for any of this core medical treatment, other than your monthly premium.

Some things are considered 'extra', though and are not entirely funded, depending on which province you live in.

For instance, an optometrist exam here in B.C. is not covered by our plan, BUT if you are referred to a eye specialist by your doctor, that would be covered.

Another 'extra' would be if you needed an ambulance, you would later get a bill in the mail.

Or things like massage therapy, most provinces will bill you something for stuff like that.

I think the biggest problem with our system is people abuse it and go to the doctor for the slightest ache, pain, or complaint, clogging things up for those that really do need medical care.

I could go on about this, but it's late and my bowl of strawberry ice cream is all done.

06-17-2009, 02:27 AM	#426 (permalink)
Richard54 Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 367	Michael Moore ? LOL He is an honorary Canadian.... I have an autographed copy of his book, 'Downsize This', gotten a few years back when I attended a speaking engagement he did at a local University. He's one funny dude. Our medical system in Canada certainly has its drawbacks, but I believe the vast majority of us up here hold it very dear indeed. The whole country has a medicare type system. Some provinces charge monthly premiums and others don't, they fund it entirely through general revenue. Myself, I'm in B.C. which charges premiums. I pay $54 @ month. I've never, ever had a problem seeing a doctor when needed. You just show your 'medical card' (looks like a credit card), and in you go. However we do experience 'waiting lists' for operations and procedures. You quite often have to wait to see a referred specialist. Last year I had a hernia and had to wait 6 months for surgery, after already waiting 3 months to see the surgeon. I drank my face off waiting..... However, if you are in seriously dire straights, you are taken care of pronto. My mom had a heart attack and was getting a bypass within a week. There's no charge for any of this core medical treatment, other than your monthly premium. Some things are considered 'extra', though and are not entirely funded, depending on which province you live in. For instance, an optometrist exam here in B.C. is not covered by our plan, BUT if you are referred to a eye specialist by your doctor, that would be covered. Another 'extra' would be if you needed an ambulance, you would later get a bill in the mail. Or things like massage therapy, most provinces will bill you something for stuff like that. I think the biggest problem with our system is people abuse it and go to the doctor for the slightest ache, pain, or complaint, clogging things up for those that really do need medical care. I could go on about this, but it's late and my bowl of strawberry ice cream is all done.