Do Canadians come to the U.S to get faster care?

[Natnasci]

Originally Posted by iNviNciBL3

Majority of people (those that are young and healthy) don't really care about all this healthcare drama to be honest.... yes maybe some upper middle class, old Canadians go south to get "faster" healthcare maybe?

There is no maybe. Very, very few do. The numbers PROVE that. 45,000 get medical care outside of Canada a year. The actual number that goes to the US isn't documented out of that 45,000. Some go to Mexico or Europe for example.

That 45,000 includes people who need medical care while on holiday in a foreign country or on a business trip etc.

So no. Let's kill this myth once and for all.

[bostonkid123]

Originally Posted by netwit

^^In New Zealand people pay $5 for most prescriptions. That's it. The Fifth Esate had an interesting show on it. We need a national Pharmacare plan like that.

I believe Ontario is rolling out free pharmacare starting Jan 1, 2018 for all Ontario residents under the age of 25. The plan covers up to 1500 of the most commonly used prescription drugs.

Ontario budget 2017: Free prescription drugs for anyone under 25, a first of its kind, Liberals say - Toronto - CBC News

On top of that, there's the provincial election in June 2018 - with Universal Pharmacare as a centre piece election issue. Because the Liberals introduced the "free pharma for under 25" - it is very likely the other opposition parties (NDP and possibly even the centrist-leaning Progressive Conservatives) will come up with a similar plan that will aim to cover pharmacare for the whole population.

[Vectoris]

Originally Posted by Natnasci

So no. Let's kill this myth once and for all.

I sure wish it was a myth for us.

1) My best friend hurt her knee in April. She bullied her way into an Orthpedic surgeon's office and managed to get an appointment for June. As a result of that appointment her MRI was scheduled for a late night appointment at the beginning of September. The doc gave her a follow up appt last week and has booked her surgery for meniscus tear, for January 2018. Her leg is swollen and she can barely walk, so her work is limited as it involves pushing a heavy cart down the aisle of a plane. But she has no choice - she has to wait.

2) My husband first started to investigate his pain in December 2016 and has been to 3 doctors a total of 5 times in Ontario to date. He can only lie down on his right hand side, to alleviate his acute pain. He can barely walk or sit. He cannot work at all. He has to eat lying on his side. We have been waiting 3 months to get a referral to a specialist in a city 90 mins away (there are none closer). We got the call this morning and he has an appointment for February 2018. lol. I am serious. We have spent already, about $1200 on a US doctor who has now suggested an MRI. We have found a place in NY state that does them for around $600 so that is our next plan.

Neither of these are emergencies, that is understood. I am sure if they were, both would be well taken care of, in both countries. In my opinion, both systems are awful. In Canada we pay by waiting, and in the US we pay by emptying our bank account.

[Natnasci]

Originally Posted by Vectoris

I sure wish it was a myth for us.

1) My best friend hurt her knee in April. She bullied her way into an Orthpedic surgeon's office and managed to get an appointment for June. As a result of that appointment her MRI was scheduled for a late night appointment at the beginning of September. The doc gave her a follow up appt last week and has booked her surgery for meniscus tear, for January 2018. Her leg is swollen and she can barely walk, so her work is limited as it involves pushing a heavy cart down the aisle of a plane. But she has no choice - she has to wait.

2) My husband first started to investigate his pain in December 2016 and has been to 3 doctors a total of 5 times in Ontario to date. He can only lie down on his right hand side, to alleviate his acute pain. He can barely walk or sit. He cannot work at all. He has to eat lying on his side. We have been waiting 3 months to get a referral to a specialist in a city 90 mins away (there are none closer). We got the call this morning and he has an appointment for February 2018. lol. I am serious. We have spent already, about $1200 on a US doctor who has now suggested an MRI. We have found a place in NY state that does them for around $600 so that is our next plan.

Neither of these are emergencies, that is understood. I am sure if they were, both would be well taken care of, in both countries. In my opinion, both systems are awful. In Canada we pay by waiting, and in the US we pay by emptying our bank account.

They myth is that a large percentage of Canadians are going to the US for care. You are in a very small minority.

Also you situation may not be the same for other Canadians in other provinces and healthcare districts.

I have listed here many times the experience I've had with healthcare here in BC and it's all been timely and excellent.

Sorry for your troubles though.