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You need to define what “choose my own doctor” means.
Can I pick my own specialist?
Yes.
When I lived in Canada you had to have a GP referral for a specialist. That was one of the biggest criticism Americans would give -- is that Canadians couldn't walk into a specialist and have it covered by their health care plan.
When I moved to the USA I found out that while technically I could choose to go to any specialist, my insurance may only cover it if I got a referral from a GP in many cases.
When I lived in Canada the health care choices were not limiting at all. Like the USA, there is a problem with allocation of resources. If you live in a small community you may not have the availability of specialists, doctors, etc. You might have to travel to other areas. But that's the same here.
In fact, I found the health care here more limiting. We had a PPO and had our list of doctors, hospitals, etc...and the insurance even dictated treatment.
Having said that....I do not think the Canadian system would work in the USA and the USA system would definitely not work in Canada.
Both have issues, both have a problem with costs, availability of services.
When we first moved here in 1997 I would say that we were ahead slightly cost wise but that quickly dried up as each year we paid more for less with our health care. As we head into retirement it is clear we have to budget for the potential for increased health care costs. In Canada you don't really have to do that because of the way health care systems are financed.
When I lived in Canada you had to have a GP referral for a specialist. That was one of the biggest criticism Americans would give -- is that Canadians couldn't walk into a specialist and have it covered by their health care plan.
When I moved to the USA I found out that while technically I could choose to go to any specialist, my insurance may only cover it if I got a referral from a GP in many cases.
When I lived in Canada the health care choices were not limiting at all. Like the USA, there is a problem with allocation of resources. If you live in a small community you may not have the availability of specialists, doctors, etc. You might have to travel to other areas. But that's the same here.
In fact, I found the health care here more limiting. We had a PPO and had our list of doctors, hospitals, etc...and the insurance even dictated treatment.
Having said that....I do not think the Canadian system would work in the USA and the USA system would definitely not work in Canada.
Both have issues, both have a problem with costs, availability of services.
When we first moved here in 1997 I would say that we were ahead slightly cost wise but that quickly dried up as each year we paid more for less with our health care. As we head into retirement it is clear we have to budget for the potential for increased health care costs. In Canada you don't really have to do that because of the way health care systems are financed.
The specialists can refuse you too. Also, for some specialists, you can wait in their waiting room for 2 hours each visit.
Don't sugarcoat it too much
All I know is that I would be bankrupt in the USA for medical needs I have had. And I don't pay any premiums. When I needed world renowned (truly world renowned!) specialists, I had one within 12 hours.
All I know is that I would be bankrupt in the USA for medical needs I have had. And I don't pay any premiums. When I needed world renowned (truly world renowned!) specialists, I had one within 12 hours.
Therefore, forcing other people to pay for your expenses is such a great deal!
What you seem to be not understanding about the Canadian universal health care system is this.
No one in Canada is being " forced " to do anything. WE want everyone to be covered, regardless of their income level or station in life. That's is why the word "Universal " is used. Because everyone is included. Canadians do it this way. Americans are free to do it some other way.
We choose to take care of each other as a nation. What's wrong with that ?
Therefore, forcing other people to pay for your expenses is such a great deal!
I never minded, even when I was in my early 20s and very healthy... and I was the one paying, not you. I felt like paying into a pension plan, gambling that I was going to live long enough to benefit from it. That’s the way it is working out too.
Therefore, forcing other people to pay for your expenses is such a great deal!
Health care is viewed as a right, not a privilege, in most civilized countries. Most. The USA feels differently.
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