As many of you already know I am a big supporter of the Canadian Health Care System. It is a universal style program, meaning that if you are a citizen you are covered for medical treatment at no cost to you.
I hear the term free of charge thrown around quite a bit regarding health care, let me tell you that as taxpayers each and every one of us pay for the privilege. Depending on your age and racial heritage you may also get free dental and prescription drug coverage.
Over the past month two events have made me think long and hard about how lucky I am to live in Canada and to have access to this level of coverage. The first was the death of my Father. When he passed, there was no bill to settle, no insurance company to argue with over any “Co-Pays”. He passed into the next life and we were left to grieve as a family.
The second event, was a car accident. A close family member was in a very serious collision, and was rushed via ambulance to the best hospital in the province. Suffice it to say that he suffered serious damage to his bones and internal organs. Surgery was required, and orthopaedic care was required to set bones in his legs and lower body.
He has been in the hospital for a number of weeks and will need many more, plus rehabilitation care and after care at home. Cost to the family, zero.
So my question to you is given this level of injury and care to an injured loved one. What would it cost you? Let’s just for a second imagine it’s your spouse, or a child, perhaps a parent. Would you be in danger of losing your savings account? Maybe your home?
What level of care do you receive in your home country? Are you lucky enough to have insurance for sickness or injury? Does your government or another third party cover your medical costs?
I am asking you, The World for your answers. The Floor is yours.
Bob
Exploring Winnipeg and Beyond. 