This is addressed to my US readers who may have concerns about "socialized" or single-payer healthcare.
Three days ago I had surgery for a double groin hernia. It was day surgery; into the hospital at 10:30, and I was home by suppertime, doped to the gills and not feeling too much pain. Later that night my bladder seized up (a known complication). I was catheterized, drained, and sent home with a prescription within about three hours.
I am on the mend now. The pain is bearable and not nearly as bad as I feared (I am a wimp when it comes to procedures). I am off the heavy duty pain meds, and bodily functions are working if not yet optimal. Next week I go back for a followup with the surgeon.
Total cost to me so far: $40 for hospital parking and a few dollars for a bottle of mineral oil. Prescription costs were covered by OHIP because I'm a senior. No co-pays. Paperwork was just a few standard forms at the hospital.
The portion of my Ontario taxes that is set aside for OHIP is about $900 per year. I have extra coverage through my former employer that I have to pay for, but it's nothing like the costs of typical plans in the US.
Admittedly healthcare in Canada does have issues. Hospitals can be overcrowded and there are often long waits for non-urgent care or to see specialists. OTOH, it has been my experience that anything that was urgent was handled promptly.
I no longer travel to the US because of the risk of a sudden medical emergency, such as a heart attack or a stroke, that could be considered by an insurance company to fall under "pre-existing" condition.
It is a vast relief living here knowing that I am unlikely to be hit with crippling medical bills because of circumstances out of my control and that my fellow citizens enjoy at least a basic standard of care that they can count on.
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