Today, I think I'll talk about a few key points that are big here in Canada....
Healthcare: As we know in the states there is much talk about Universal Health Care from both sides of the table. As a visitor here, with no political agenda, I have observed a few things. First of all, let me be clear, I have been in favor of Universal Health Care in the states for years. I think the socialism rhetoric that is thrown around is, well, simply bogus. Because one just has to do a non-biased history lesson on socialism to see that what our country proposes is not that. I think my 'in faovr' of this, comes from being a teacher and seeing my kids who are sick, or have other issues, unable to get health care because mom and dad can't get the 'right' job. I also see parents who walk around with health issues that they cannot get treated for the same reasons. So, universal Health care has its good points.
However, I am concerned that our country as a whole is not quite ready for it, and I think from my perspective, here in Canada, they might not have been ready either. But I think there are some lessons to be learned.
( note: this is strictly from the Alberta perspective, because it is different in other provinces.)
Positives: Basically, it is cheaper, for the basics. However, if you want any of the additional. shall we call them bells and whistles, like, oh an ambulance ride to the hospital, you need to buy 'A la Cart' but its still cheaper than what we are paying in the states. But, a lot of the folks here can't afford that. ( more on that later). When you go to the doctor, you walk in, have your appt. and walk out. No Co-pays etc. Chiropractic health, massage therapy etc. are all covered as well. Prescriptions are cheaper too. Insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies do not have nearly the same horrific power they do in the states. Although the Dr. shortage is a concern here, there are many clinics available to you, 24/7. (However, I will admit, the 'Open" sign at the Urgent Care Emergency Clinic is a cause for concern. Lol)
Negatives: We were lucky to get a doctor. We were told that to expect to be a wait list for a personal physician. Some in Calgary are on wait lists that are 7 years out, nope not a typo.( Our Dr. is wonderful and hails from South Africa and chose Canada over the states to practice in, due to our malpractice issues/practices. ) So, we were lucky. Another disadvantage is everything is compartmentalized. For instance there are no 'One Stop Shops' here. Blood work, you go to the lab. X-Ray? You go to yet another lab. Need a Specialist? Even just a foot doctor for instance, your main Doctor has to refer you, and yes you wait to get an appt.
Surgery... now this is tricky - non emergency procedures are set up by priority, availability, and yes, wait lists. For instance, one day as I was sitting in the great mecca for women, the hairdresser. One older lady was in for a hair set. Well, she was getting ready for hip surgery. Just got the call, after being on the list for many months and was going in the next day for the surgery. And that's how it is... when they call, you grab the time, or back at the bottom of the list you go.
There is constant controversy over preventative care. Doctors want to offer more, but are held back. There have been doctors that have had to leave the country because they spoke out about this. There is corruption (gasp) in the government, and currently there are many investigations going on with the Gov't of Alberta Healtcare. There are concerns that some numbers are being 'misrepresented', there are concerns that doctors are 'slienced' through various tactics because they speak out.
Finally, I'm just not sure I would want to have serious health care issues here. I would be concerned about the availability of the services.
Now, this is only my very limited perspective and I find that the folks working in the health care field are great. Hard working, dedicated and often frustrated. I have not had any 'bad' experience with these labs etc. But I find I do miss the personal touches that my Doctor offered me in the states. So, I have no answers, or amazing fixer uppers. Just observations.
So, if you move, come prepared. research the town you will live in for doctors. The smaller suburbs seem to be better off than the bigger cities.
Next item covered in Part 2
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