[quote=Barefoot;407224][quote=LoriAnn;406541]I don't think anyone doubts the criticism of Canada's healthcare system.
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LoriAnn, you commented that "you don't think anyone doubts the criticism of Canada's healthcare system". Well, I doubt the criticism, and I'm Canadian.
Hal's observations are correct. If a Canadian has a serious medical situation or needs immediate surgery, they will receive immediate top-notch medical care without cost! Those who have serious health issues go immediately to the head of the line, as they should. If the situation is not critical, for instance arthroscopic knee surgery, I just waited for four months for surgery, and I find that acceptable. With the huge strain placed on the Medical System by Boomers, health needs will have to be prioritized.
Now, back to the topic of SS.
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Thank you Barefoot, for your knowledgeable input. We Americans are a bit spoiled. We often think we're
entitled (to revert back to the original topic of this thread), and we don't want to wait for anything. However, I suspect we could even satisfy that need given our level of expenditure.
Your four month wait seems long, but we also have built-in delays for service. My Dad passed last year of Esophageal cancer. He was 85. I honestly feel he would still be here if the system was more responsive. He had to start with his primary physician, who sent him to an ear-nose-throat specialist, who sent him for a endoscopic exam. Then back through the chain and another primary referral to a oncologist for review with radiologist, surgeons, chemotherapy specialist to determine treatment. Each step has delays to schedule appointments. Ultimately, due to his age and mobility, he was scheduled for Radiation only, in combination with a new study drug. It seemed to worked since he moved from an all liquid diet to being able to eat anything he liked. The final scan showed the esophageal cancer taken care of. Unfortunately, the cancer had spread to the liver and there were no options. Sorry for the long winded story. But the point is, our system can be equally slow. Our system is built to provide private profits all along the way. There's a lot of extra steps and often excessive testing and lab work. Cost are secondary since they can be pushed back to premiums. With single payer, like Canada, the concentration is simply providing care with minimal cost.
OK, back to SS. Hmmm. As a Canadian, how does that affect you?