Can't Go Home: Americans In Canada Share Healthcare Stories

What do you think of when you imagine an American living in exile, unable to return home?
This is a profile of two Americans living in Canada who can't return to the US because they're unable to get health insurance. Kathleen was also featured on CBCs "The Current": www.cbc.ca/thecurrent/episode/...

[@chrissharp1906]

It's hilarious that many Americans bleat on about how the universal healthcare that is enjoyed by so many countries around the world, is 'socialist', and therefore bad. With universal healthcare, everyone pays in via their income tax, and the services are there to take care of you, if or when you need them. I broke a wrist while mountain biking last year. Once at my local hospital, my wrist was set and stabilized within 30 minutes. Within two hours I was lying on a bed in a ward watching television. I had surgery to instal a metal bracket at 10am the following morning. Spent another night in hospital for observations, and was back home the following lunch time. I then had several x-ray check ups and physiotherapy sessions over the next 6 months. No bills, no forms, no conditions. If that's 'socialist', then I'll happily keep it thank-you, because it's a damn sight better than the utter crap the Americans have.

[@georgeinjapan6583]

@Bill Randall 30,000,000 ? Do you have a source for that ?

[@tompain2751]

@@georgeinjapan6583 Pew study says 10.7 million.

[@Starwarsfan1253]

@@livinghope1561 You sir are brainwashed. America is a fucking shithole!

[@toxicgamers1113]

@@livinghope1561 but what when you going old??? not young anymore??? should you must die because your country do not want to treat you??? EVERY human have a right on health, this is not privilege

[@livinghope1561]

@@Starwarsfan1253 yeah now brainwashed people's of media and left gonna tell me who is brainwashed.. Brainwashed lgbt supporters gonna tell me who is brainwashed.... Wow sounds so logical!!!

[@MamaBearNC]

That is why my mom is still in Canada. I don't think she would be alive if she didn't emigrate to Canada from the USA.

[@Angell_Lee]

Same from my mom she emigrate when I was a kid from Morocco. Now that we are all older she got a rare disease and she would have been long gone if it wasn't from being here in Canada. Canada will always be the greatest country in my eyes. :)

[@jamesdavid1185]

@@Angell_Lee Germany is better 😝😝😝

[@Angell_Lee]

@@jamesdavid1185 Come visit us sweetie! I'm sure Germany is nice, but Canada will always be the best for me :)

[@Mr11ESSE111]

USA "healthcare" kills on hundreds of thousands of peoples yearly with their overpriced shits which low-middle class cannot afford

[@Babel2.0]

Thank you Tommy Douglas.

[@gabbygideon9502]

i appreciate Canada Healthcare so much. i was diagnosed with Hep C and last year a treatment came out that cures. the treatment cost just for the medication is between 68,000 to 100,000 per course of treatment and some people have to have two courses. 100% of my medication was covered in my province and all Dr appointment and follow up were covered as well. Hep c treatment is covered in my province for anyone diagnosed regardless of their income. My doctor said it was an investment for my province because without treatment by future hospital bills would be closer to half million i am so grateful

[@elisabethm9655]

My son and his family moved to Canada when he was offered a great job. Their son was born there, so he's a Canadian citizen. He also has a complicated medical situation and has had great care there - but if he came back to the States...nope. They're applying for permanent residency now. Yes, I miss them, miss seeing them grow up - but at least I know that in Canada, they have the medical coverage that makes his future possible without bankrupting his parents.

[@wgaebel1647]

I've lived in Ontario Canada for 55 years and I've NEVER heard ANYONE say that they wish we had the US system of healthcare.

[@frankypawson5045]

amen to that!!

[@prevosfr]

Americans are told we don't have a great universal healthcare and that it's not worth investigating into it either.

[@AvroBellow]

And I doubt that you ever will.

[@brunoss.3273]

I've heard a few blockheads say it, unfortunately . . . though they are usually the ones with the "Screw you got mine" mentality.

[@luketracey3269]

Physicians in Nova Scotia are having to shoulder more and more responsibilities to compensate for the shortcomings in other aspects of the health-care system and the overall shortage of physicians. As a result, many are getting burnt out and frustrated. How can you call it "universal healthcare" when people can't even find a family doctor. I haven't had a doctor in over 10 yrs! In Nova Scotia, emergency department closures are becoming the new normal. All Saints Springhill Hospital in Springhill, N.S., is shut down during daytime hours. Hospital authorities blame a chronic shortage of doctors. How can anyone even claim that Canada has a universal healthcare system ? I think it's about time we stop bragging about our crappy disfunctional healthcare system! 🍀 Its obviously broken:(

[@tahititoutou3802]

On January 2nd 2019 I went to the hospital for a routine test. It was supposed to take about 3 hours (an injection, then wait for it to take effect, then a scan). Seeing the results of the test they decided to keep me. I went through one week surgery preparation, then was transferred to another hospital that has the proper equipment for heart surgery. I had open heart surgery. Then they kept me 10 days for intensive care. Then they transferred me to yet another hospital which is specialized for convalescence. I stayed there to February 12 when I was sent back home. During all these six weeks I was fed, taken care of by attendants and nurses, and given medication, physiotherapy, ergotherapy and psychological assistance. QUESTION : Guess how much it costs me. Clue #1: the hospitals are in Laval and Montréal, Canada ; Clue #2: No : it was not free . . . . Answer : $13 parking for my car.

[@tahititoutou3802]

@Lady Heart Yes there is waiting in Canada. When a doctor prescribed a colonoscopy, which is a very minor intervention, I had to wait 14 months. When I had a heart condition I was picked up at home by an ambulance 10 minutes after calling and, once at the hospital, I had to wait 2 minutes at the registration. It was free in both cases (except for the parking for my car).

[@pacificbob24]

$13 parking is outrages. Just kidding. In Delta BC there is free parking at the Hospital and Drs offices. But yes, we do take our healthcare in Canada for granted.

[@geoffpriestley7001]

@@pacificbob24 when my dad was in hospital in the uk it was £400 for the diffrent family members over 3 months

[@Torontogal1973]

I'm am very grateful I was born Canadian, and I am so proud of the country we've built.

[@elistae5536]

I've been working in the Canadian healthcare system for pushing 30 years. I've needed to use it extensively for the past six months as a patient. I've always been grateful for life here in Canada. I'm not Canadian. I've lived and paid taxes here for most of my life. It is by far the best humane system in the world. Not Canada's specifically (but yes!), but treating people without bankrupting them. It's a human right. Some people love calling that "Socialist". They've been taught that that is a bad word and a terrible condition. But if Canada's healthcare is a socialist aspect, then I'm all for it for everyone. I don't have to be rich to healed.

[@GUITARTIME2024]

Elistae (sigh) MOST people have health insurance or govt health coverage in America.

[@ctwofirst6635]

raleighman3000 But a lot of us don't. I couldn't get health insurance last year. I have it this year, but next year the price will almost certainly go up so much that I won't have any.

[@demonpride1975]

the funny thing is you have Americans out there that are bashing the socialized health care system we have, yet we are rated higher on the world scale. sure the states has higher on the military scale. but that's what causes so many people to be in a case of needing socialized health care. i have needed health care a bit in my life, i was born a bit sickly. had massive problems as a baby. i outgrew most of them, but i probably wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for socialized healthcare, and the dedication of our medical staff in Canada, and i will be forever grateful for the life i have because of it.

[@dm7b5]

I call Bull Shit on raleighman3000. Maybe you and your friends are covered. Millions - MILLIONS - are not. And many who are fall under this category: I ran a small business that provided health coverage. Every year the costs went up and up to the business. We would have to shave a benefit here and a coverage there to keep it affordable for the employees as well as the business. There were people working there who should not have been there and knew it. But they were there because of the coverage, and we couldn't let them go for the same reason. And the cost of delivering health care is higher in the US than any other developed country. Think you might know why?

[@hume6900]

A lot of us Canadians also have extra insurance for things like semi-private or private room coverage in the hospital or drug coverage as some medications required are expensive and not necessarily covered under the provincial health plans. You hope that it is never needed, of course. For instance, some medications needed by cancer patients can be $x,xxx.xx and if you are an outpatient may not be covered. I will still take my Cdn. healthcare over non-socialized any day of the week.

[@toshley6192]

As a Canadian, I am more than happy that my taxes are going to people like this, who actually have desperate need of it. Who cares if they were born in America, they are human beings in need. I guess you would all let them die? Everyone saying "go back to your own country" should be ashamed of themselves. I love that Canada is willing to step up and take care of people in need, even when their home countries refuse to. Besides, these people live and work here, they're paying Canadian taxes as well. I think it's kind of screwed up to blame someone for missing their home and family, it is possible to enjoy being somewhere, and miss being somewhere else at the same time. The two are not mutually exclusive.

[@MrSMChristian]

So agree, thank you for saying this because reading some of the other post really depressed me.

[@SuperStrik9]

Great comment! I totally agree. It makes me proud as someone born in Canada to know that we help all people, no matter their situation that come here. A country that doesn't take care of it's people's health is a disgrace to humanity. All people regardless of background deserve compassion, treatment, and care. Anything less is inhumane

[@MegaDoggyBag]

I live in america my brother had to have brain surgery they sent him home the next day because he could not afford the hospital stay he died in front of me a few days later I just feel if he would have just stayed and been around doctors maybe it would have given him a better chance.

[@jerry3579]

GodBotherer1 "The USA can afford public healthcare for its taxpayers if it didn't spend all of its money on wars." You took the very words out of my mouth which I was about to speak, and they are so true!!! In the Vietnam War era, the U.S. was spending about 70% of its federal budget on that awful mistake known as the Vietnam "conflict," which wasn't even a declared war. Neither is Iraq, and so on. Please help me with any web sites which explain in detail about Canadian healthcare and permanent resident/citizenship requirements "just in case." Thank you very much:-) You set a fine example to the world!!

[@swissnor]

***** Its not just wars its the health insurance companies. Their all crooks.

[@CdnImage]

Canadian health care is the reason that Canadians on average live about 4 years longer then Americans

[@markdoldon8852]

+CdnImage with better infant mortality rate, lower heart attack and cancer outcomes, etc. only in survival rates for a few relatively rare cancer types are us outcomes marginally better

[@JeremyMacDonald1973]

@imaprouduclabruin Probably not longer then Asian Canadians

[@jomac841]

This is heartbreaking. I can't imagine what that must be like. All I can say is I feel so thankful to be Canadian. I hope that someday these people can return home.

[@rtdnan]

It's beyond heartbreaking - and we older Americans can't believe how quickly our country has be Wrecked by Global Elitists (within our lifetime).

[@JohnMurphy-fb8sw]

rtdnan No, your country is being wrecked, and has always been wrecked, by your US corporate masters.

[@jackwilliams5474]

Um, the majority of Americans own stocks in corporations and would like Said corporations to do well.

[@gwarlow]

jomac841 "Home is where the heart is" needs to be revised for Americans. It should be, "home is where affordable healthcare is" Imagine a nation that cares so little about the health of its citizens, but so much about the health of its Banks/"Defense" spending and Oil companies profits?

[@handedtoyou2477]

I'm glad you're Canadian too. Please stay there and please accept all refugees, be they medical or whatever. Thanks!😃👍🇺🇸

[@Polishedturd]

I’m so thankful I’m Canadian and thankful for our healthcare system. I don’t mind paying taxes for a system that benefits everyone.

[@sicariobrother316]

Liar

[@thumper7047]

yup. Even if that healthcare is less quality and you have to wait in pain for many weeks if not months to get it done, but if all you need is a few stitches and a band-aide - Canada is the place to be.

[@sicariobrother316]

@@thumper7047 Justin Trudeaus: 😈

[@RisetoStrength]

I will die.

[@RisetoStrength]

@@thumper7047 It used to work. You have to wait for more complex care. But greed has ruined it.

[@johnfargher99]

Disgusting. I'm a UK conservative but healthcare & education is a human right not a commodity.

[@ryan7864]

+Gooners Rule (Goonersrule) Is it? Would "Human Right" not be a matter of national perspective?

[@jmitterii2]

+Ryan Lege Sure. And the perspective of not having healthcare as a human right without going into huge debt or not getting treatment at all is a lousy perspective. There was once perspective that you could own other people, that you had to either pay a fee or belong to a particular state religion, that one did not have the liberty to peacefully speak one's mind, to gather peacefully in protest, to collectively bargain, to allow all male and female adults to vote for representation nor ratification of laws, that some people with ethnic and genetic difference weren't treated equally in law, that children we're rightfully to work regularly, that someone could voluntarily and involuntarily indenture themselves to someone else over a term period, that what one person did in a family would have consequences on other members of the family who weren't involved in the actions: corruption of blood, etc. All shitty national perspectives that most nations have now changed because of the illogical and harmful effects on society in general; those nations that still have such perspectives are looked at as backwards and often their citizens tend to feel a sense of dread, they also have a society with a large proportion of the population in poverty and/or the sense of fear.

[@ryan7864]

jmitterii2 Comparing the lack of healthcare with slavery or child labor is a little disproportionate.

[@jmitterii2]

+Ryan Lege That's what the Rebs of south would have said comparing corruption of blood (something they would agree was immoral) with slavery (something at least the elites thought was fine and dandy, as well as child labor which both sides, reb and yanks, thought was fine too, at the time. :) No. It's not. We're the last country to deem healthcare an essential right, and consigned to markets which violates key competitive market principles that make competitive efficient over other methods of production and distribution: economy of scale, barrier to entry, essential good and service with a near perfect inelastic demand curve, and lots of harmful externalities as well as the fact it's immoral with technology available today.

[@johnfargher99]

I'm an army Vet too. You guys aren't treated well in US. I would vote Democrat in US. Universal Healthcare isn't socialism. We live longer in Europe than Americans.

[@nordby1000]

"Healthcare is a human right" she says... Good. I`m from Sweden, and here i feel safe if i get ill.

[@zacharymccullough4625]

Lol. I had me a nice 1 am walk tonight . why would one not feel safe ?

[@jwb52z9]

Too many Americans are so enamored of being armed that they literally can't imagine being safe without being armed to the teeth as a form of "strength". It's pathetically sad and backward.

[@anarchistatheist1917]

Jwb52z I agree, gun owners if they own only a couple of firearms are good, but gun lovers, those that own mini arsenals because they are stockpiling firearms as a status symbol, and because they are paranoid are mentally degenerate and should be commited to mental health institutions.

[@zacharymccullough4625]

Anarchist Atheist one can only limmit out on fire arms when one runs out of space . Then you move .

[@zacharymccullough4625]

@4HorsemenCome No one is forced to do shit . Nice try tho

[@norrislaitinen5011]

As a Canadian and Vancouverite, Im glad you were here when these issues came up. We look after our own, and in my book your Canadian.

[@gabbygideon9502]

as well few years ago my husband who is a construction contractor had a seizure and fell from a roof, he suffered broken back, brain injury and host of other stuff, he was air lifted to hospital and spent around 7months in hospital. we didn't have to pay for any of it and had top notch care.

[@endlessadventure541]

This segment is so spot on. I'm a medical exile, in all places, living in Colombia, South America. And I sold insurance for a living in the US!!!! Not only did the US surgeons ruin my life (of course, they all got their paid to do it), but once they massacred me they refused to treat the damage, nationwide. In Colombia I get excellent guaranteed coverage for $65 a month and excellent care. US citizens are trapped in a medical monopoly of crooks and they don't even realize how bad they have it.

[@violetsvelvetvortex556]

Yes the do know how bad they have it.

[@donnamaco1]

10 THUMBS UP! Thank you.

[@mikesgoodmann9349]

Thank the fucking AMA !

[@Chiefchief4444]

My experience with Canada and Canadiens is they are both wonderful and a model of compassion for the rest of the world.

[@DamienAshorTV]

I moved to Canada 12 years ago, personally I have zero desire to return to the USA, I love it here. Way less crime, amazing healthcare and it's so much cleaner. Here in Southern Ontario the winters are mostly short and mild so weather is a non-issue.

[@frankypawson5045]

your lucky you did what you did at the time!!!!!

[@daniellefavreau1275]

Less crimes for two reasons : We are not 300 millions AND We have less religious persons to stop humane evolution towards less pregnancy non desire.

[@nicostrabac768]

do your son a favor and never move back to the US with him. sure go visit but he's Canadian, living in one of the nicest parts of the country. he will be given a better quality of life, better education, more religious/ cultural freedom and generally grow into a more aware and in tune young man

[@zammmerjammer]

They can't even visit! There's no way he could get travel insurance and what if he has an episode while down there? She's basically stuck. Which is nuts.

[@HOTRAILProductions]

Hope he doesn't get sick and stuck on Canadian waiting list.

[@zammmerjammer]

CSX Productions The non-existent ones? Well done not even watching the video you're commenting on, genius.

[@shelleyjohnston3408]

@@zammmerjammer stuck? If she considers being in Canada stuck. She can Leave she doesn't seem like she wants to here she looked at ways to go back. Go back doesn't sound like either one of you want to be here.

[@zammmerjammer]

+Shelley Johnston Are you trying to come up with the dumbest possible comment, Shelley? Because well done if so. She's stuck because her son has a life-threatening illness that is treated in Canada and she doesn't want him to, y'know, DIE. Of course she looked at ways to go back -- the USA is her home country, her family is there, and she had never intended to permanently settle elsewhere.

[@informationyes]

I think the worst thing about all this is that Americans think that by having an NHS they are footing the bill for others and shouldn't be made to pay for others health care BUT its other people using healthcare that's raising your insurance premiums meaning YOU ARE!! paying other peoples healthcare anyway as that's how insurance works.

[@kitty779]

I am a vet and have chronic illnesses both service related and non. The VA refused to help me, the government refuses to help me and I am only getting sicker. I have been unable to work due to this, so no employer insurance. It's ridiculously sad how the US treats it's sick and needy citizens. Especially those of us that served and are disabled because of it.

[@kitty779]

And yes it's serious enough to shave years off my life....

[@urisgaylecontracting6315]

God bless Canada & Tommy Douglas.

[@jockywochy]

He never followed Eugenics and in fact rejected it when he was Prem. of Sas. Get your facts right.

[@stellabar623]

Hoping for a reincarnated Tommy Douglas.

[@demonpride1975]

and tim hortons. that saves a lot of people from going to the hospital. as long as i am first in line.

[@romeo03ca]

Tommy Douglas, the Bernie Sanders of Canada. Father -in law of Donald Sutherland.

[@sweetpeachbellini8245]

Interesting factoid - Tommy Douglas, who was key in creating the Canadian Healthcare, had a lovely daughter Shirley who married another lovely Canadian, Donald...their son, Kiefer is one of America's favourite actors!

[@katakisLives]

How can the richest most powerful nation on earth not be able to provide universal healthcare? its utterly pathetic!!!

[@somewhatinformed716]

America could do all you ask but then it would become communist. We could destroy our economy all we have to do is look at history we have a plan all we have to do is pay out more than we receive our government has the power why isn't our government trying to bankrupt itself harder it must love its people not wanting to go bankrupt but the people should be able to vote for a country to go bankrupt so we can have free stuff that's worthless

[@katakisLives]

England is not bankrupt on account of universal healthcare or Canada or any of the other countries that have it! this paranoia about communism needs to stop! if it was communist then most of the developed world would be communist! its all about priorities and if people weren't paying through the nose for healthcare they'd have more money to put back into the economy and people wouldn't die because they can't afford healthcare.Somewhat informed

[@somewhatinformed716]

+katakisLives so your answer is lower premiums for you and premiums for people who don't want insurance because they won't use it and cause the system to go bankrupt only you want to do that use more than you want to pay for you want everyone else to pay for what you want good thing water bills aren't done that way.

[@katakisLives]

Somewhat informed I've read this through several times and I cannot fathom what you are going on about! what I think America should do is end the for profit model for healthcare and pay for it through general taxation like pretty much every other developed country. and whats that bit about water bills at the end!

[@somewhatinformed716]

When u say no one should have to pay their own bills when taxes could pay it for them or you....I say you are selfish....and want everyone else to pay for YOUR stuff.....sorry I lost you....are you back to reality now? Free people choose what they spend money on.......when u take money to pay other peoples bills you make me your slave....I don't like it.....glad you don't mind paying everyone else s bills....It is cheaper to pay your self for things you want.......

[@UCVibes]

It sounds like the Canadians have a much better all around health care system. It seems the American medical establishment wants to keep this secret a secret.

[@yotheguy521]

+UC Vibes The United States used to have the best health care in the world, but in our case the government started getting involved more and more, and gradually prices went up as access went down for many. Our government is so large that it is extremely inefficient in everything it does. Obamacare is going to turn out to be an absolute mess just like every other large government program. That being said, if we'd stop spending more on our military than the rest of the world and stop maintaining 900 military bases around the world and stopped invading other countries, we could probably afford a pretty damn good healthcare system, or at least adequately fund a basic care and preventative program for everyone, letting private insurance handle the rest.

[@kathryntruscott6351]

+Yo The guy The US NEVER had the world's best health care system, although it did have some of the foremost researchers in the field at times. Americans tend to think that they are best at everything where in fact they are best at nothing really, except perhaps starting wars by interfering in other countries' foreign policies for monetary gain..... :-)

[@yotheguy521]

Kathryn Truscott When I spoke of the US previously having the best health care system in the world, I should have perhaps labeled it the most innovative, which was the factor I meant to highlight. We did indeed have the top research and development scientists in many fields (although it would have to be noted that many prominent scientists came from other countries to study here, which skews our numbers up and their home countires' down). My main point was to mention how the interference by the US federal government into health care has ruined the system and made it drastically more expensive, while reducing quality and innovation. While I strive to always judge people as individuals rather than members of group mentalities, I do agree that Americans in general seem to be a little more rosy-eyed when looking at past generations, glossing over the negatives to highlight the positives. However, to say we have never been the best at anything is demonstrably false. Innovations in almost every field have sprung from America at a phenomenal rate. However, your last point quite counterbalances this fact, making it a very debatable point whether America has been a net gain or net loss for humanity's progress as a species. We gave the world numerous vaccines which save millions of lives every year, but we have also contributed nuclear weapons, which cause even more innocent deaths because large nuclear countries like the US and USSR are so scared of outright wars that they fight there battles in proixy wars like Vietnam and Afghanistan, ravaging entire countrysides and ethnicities over issues that mean nothing to the locals being decimated. When it comes to instigating and starting wars, you are right on the money, no one in the world can touch us. The bulk of the American people are not actually nearly so bloodthirsty as our countries actions seem to be, but unfortunately we let out national government get too big, which opened its influence up to large interests such as defense contractors and others who profit from war. So, a note from America- sorry about nukes and drones, but hey, y'all liked Elvis, right?

[@HOTRAILProductions]

US healthcare costs are being driven up by government involvement. The industry needs to move back to the private sector.

[@HOTRAILProductions]

That is why countless people from all over the world come here for healthcare.....

[@michaelchristopher8266]

Blessed to be born in Canada, I was born with a defective heart and have had two open heart surgeries which would have cost $200 000 each

[@christopherellis2663]

As an Australian, with a similar 'socialist' system, I shake my head when people imagine the Green Card is the key to success.

[@vincentlefebvre9255]

Australia is a great place. Salute from Canada.

[@bpnk5237]

It is for people from 3rd world country

[@LMB222]

I've watched a number of ABC reports on the general shape of mental care in Australia. It's far from perfect as I know it … But it's orders of magnitude better than the average of the US.

[@TurtleboxVideo]

If you're referring to Kathleen- that's me and I never worked for ACORN. My husband and I run a video production business and I wanted to share my story as an American in a pickle because of the US Healthcare system prior to the Affordable Care Act (btw- our situation was fixed the second the Act was signed by Obama). You can hear me interviewed on CBC Radio on the link in the description. I still live in Canada, but I love that I could go back to the US now if we wanted to.

[@1tallncoolguy]

Only when Americans are immigrants themselves, begin to understand a little bit about some of the difficulties of us immigrants.

[@GregHoward79]

we're all immigrants, get over it.

[@GregHoward79]

Can't be too hard, else there wouldn't be so many of them.... : )

[@theshawnmurphyjournal2946]

What has that got to do with health care you are off topic Mario

[@theuglykwan]

There's a video from Fox about DACA individuals asking for Obamacare.

[@chrisholland7367]

We also have a similar healthcare system in the UK

[@macnutz4206]

I left America almost fifty years ago. I went back shorty, once, in the seventies. I am so glad to have escaped what I see as a dangerous dirty shit hole, I have not even visited since the mid seventies. The health care system makes a huge difference in your life. I did not go into bankruptcy at sixty five, when I developed a very aggressive cancer that had me in the hospital for almost two months. Medical bills are the number one cause of personal bankruptcy in America. Something that damages the economy and ruins lives. But I stay in Canada because it is a much cleaner, safer, more rational place to live, where I do not have to hear insane religious liars day after day and you almost never run into them in social situations. Bringing up your religion to win votes, is the kiss of death in Canadian politics. It makes for a much more stable, more civil society. A much better place to live.

[@GUITARTIME2024]

Macnutz420 At 65 you would be on Medicare...Most Americans DO have health insurance (thru employer, Obamacare, eyc.). Enjoy your boring country. I feel very safe in America.

[@macnutz4206]

I don't need medicare here. A very large percentage of Americans do NOT have health care, a very large number of employers do not offer such programs to their many minimum wage employees. The insurance you have, refuses to pay for many life saving treatments. That does not happen here. Also, if so many people are covered, why is it that medical expenses are the number one cause of personal bankruptcies in America? That is a fact that proves your attempt to make it look better is a bunch of BS. Medicare is also picxky about what it will pay for. I have relatives in the States who would profoundly disagree with the picture you attempt to paint and they are not super poor people, just old people whose life savings have been eaten by medical expenses, in spite of their bad American insurance and medicare. Maybe you should avoid my boring country, please.

[@diavolorosso69]

Enjoy your warmongering, crime ridden, racist, ignorant, paranoid, bible-thumping, fascist country that doesn't care about its own citizens as much as it cares about guns, the flag and giving tax cuts to the rich

[@hooligan6a]

I for one, am happy you are not living in the US. Please never come back.

[@cvpkjp]

Macnutz420 s sus

[@ONLYthroughTHECROSS]

My husband is a United States Air Force Retiree- I am a Canadian. We live in both countries six months a year. He loves Canada & would move her permanently in a heartbeat- I, however, appreciate the Florida sun in the winter. He has the best medical coverage one can have in the US Tri-Care Prime-our relatives next door went bankrupt in the US with a serious health condition their INS CO WOULDN'T PAY FOR!

[@rufflesme2001]

Wow, I'm shocked. We are able to save a little boys life and the reaction is the hateful comments below. As a Canadian some of these comments make me ashamed and I would like some of you to leave Canada, not these people.

[@bobbiusshadow6985]

wondering if they're true Canadian

[@sinisterminister6478]

Bobbius Shadow I'm thinking they're American trolls.

[@christinejones9519]

Ingrates.

[@senorfumamucho4286]

Linda McG sometimes people are shit..she's living here paying taxes therefore it is her right to have our healthcare system. Also that little is Canadian.

[@mrkid2737]

or mabey they are Canadians who hate americans because propaganda or whatever

[@dandales9003]

I met one guy from the States who had a friend killed in front of him at Kent State who will never stop foot back in his former country again.

[@renatedebruyn9612]

I am grateful to be Canadian living in Canada for more reasons than just healthcare benefits.

[@flormoreno4478]

The system of heath in America is really scary

[@joshandallo2170]

What's wrong with loving the country that they spent the majority of their lives in? Certainly you have a point that they should embrace the country they are now in, but don't you think that if the US had a universal healthcare system, they would be able to live with their nearest and dearest in the country that forms a huge part of their personal identity without fear of incurring medical bills?

[@Zebred2001]

I know of a senior (American) citizen, whom I had never met (relative by marriage) who retired very well off to Florida. He was hit by a car and spent two-weeks in hospital there. The bill: 1.6 million dollars! And he ended up dying anyway! They put a lean on his house. This is just bizarre social policy beyond excuse.

[@sikhatheist651]

+bweazel Personal responsibility? In a world full of people, some are going to draw the short stick and compassion is what separates us for other animals.

[@sikhatheist651]

***** Would you rather have health care proportional to their wealth? So, someone born into poverty doesn't deserve health care? Do you even understand the meaning of entitlement?

[@sikhatheist651]

***** You are proving my point without realizing it. The US already spends more than anyone else in order to provide sub par service to its poorest citizens. Having a single payer heath care system would benefit those who are actually paying large sums of taxes and would allow the US to negotiate lower prices with pharmaceuticals. Single payer system is a win for all. You may be in a good health now, but it won't be the case forever. You are slowing sawing the branch you are sitting on.

[@sikhatheist651]

***** It's not about being raised a certain way. I believe some services should not be run for profit. That's the core of our disagreement. You keep babbling on about personal responsibility, I take that in the form of paying taxes. We keep the prices down by removing the middle man. The pharmaceutical companies sell directly to the government at a discounted price, because we buy large amounts at a time. We are not mooching off anyone, and frankly with our standard of living your country couldn't afford us. The government is suppose to be by the people, for the people. Do you want state police to be privatized? How about the military?

[@sikhatheist651]

"your government operating as a monopsonist. You still have a middleman, but instead of a free market, you have replaced it with the authority of the government, who uses price controls" No one is forcing these companies to sell to us, they sell, because it is profitable, not as profitable as the US, but they still make decent money. We both pay for health insurance - you pay it to a private company, I pay mine thought taxes to the government. When an insurance company starts to pay too many claims, everyone's rates go up. So, you not only pay for yourself, but also for those that use it the most and for some rich asshole's private jet and tropical island.

[@elainebmack]

A Canadian friend of mine had an emergency appendectomy. He had the surgery, a 10 day hospital stay, medication, antibiotics, and follow up care. He didn't pay for a thing. That's the way it should be.

[@jean-richardalfred733]

No disrespect to American, I one to, but we all are brain washed, that America is THE country, I left 25 years ago never to return.

[@willliamking8212]

yeah, me too--except it was 50 years ago.

[@mikaylabansie9512]

Welcome fellow Canadians

[@ApeMan-vk1sk]

In that case Alfred, good riddance. We're better off without you. Got room at your place for a few more?

[@davidhastings2139]

Good go away. Stay away.

[@informationyes]

ape man and david you sound like sore losers

[@jamiestewart2855]

Damn right healthcare is a right.

[@kerbygator]

jamie stewart As long as you pay for it, I agree. Nobody owes you shit uness you're a veteran.

[@catsbyondrepair]

No it's a privilege that you get a job and pay for.

[@kerbygator]

jamie stewart Maybe in your own litte fucked up world it is. You need a reality check. This country is 20 trillion dollars in debt, so you best get a job and start paying your taxes, so all of you lazy pieces of shit can get some coverage.

[@sharonshoop495]

what constitution are you reading!!!!!

[@kencollins1186]

It says so even in the Swaziland constitution.

[@deepcover9894]

We are happy to have you here!

[@Derek_Gunn]

Not a single word of thanks to the Canadian taxpayers who've done these women so much good.

[@jasoncardinal86]

I've had four surgeries in the past 20 years and haven't had to pay anything. Who knows how much I would have paid if I lived in the United States.

[@coolworx]

America's gone plum crazy. Get out while you can.

[@cockatooinsunglasses7492]

Noah Namey yes indeed.

[@AngelFlipz]

I'm trying too,I still need 4 more years :(

[@emoryrubyg9631]

I should have left when I had the chance four years ago. Now I'm stuck in America. 😔

[@Durokdtrain]

I love America, I love the people the places. But I will never live there again. Very glad to be a Canadian

[@kathryntruscott6351]

Americans just don't get it..... A country should run like a family (everybody matters and we help those that cannot help themselves) rather than a business (not profit in your being ill, so we won't treat you.... go away and die quietly). Anywhere is OK if you are rich, most people are not. We all pay taxes and some of those ought to be used to help folk that are in need medically or socially. It's the kind thing to do, the human thing to do. America, as a system, values things and does not value people. It should be the other way around, as it is in Canada and other countries with a better attitude to the less fortunate such as Britain, New Zealand, the Scandinavian countries and to a lesser extent, Australia. Why less for OZ? Because Australia models much of its policies on American practice, and one can die for lack of medical care in OZ because you don't have the money to afford insurance or otherwise pay for care. A friend of mine, who is actually and Australian citizen and has NZ residency returned to NZ from the UK, where as an alien had no entitlement to the health system, at least not for what she needed, returned to NZ. Her treatment here with interferon, costing about a hundred grand, was not covered in her country of birth, but the NZ system treated her at NO cost, and she is now alive and doing OK in Australia, which country would have denied her treatment. Universal health care works, and is actually financially sensible because well people work and pay taxes, whereas sick people end up on welfare, so quite apart from the humanitarian aspect of it, health care is ]good business.....

[@Justin-le7zy]

ignorant

[@jockywochy]

Oh my! Canada's top tax is 29%, the US is 35% currently!

[@bmon4095]

Fishbowl Girl educate yourself and google empathy.

[@LK-pc4sq]

Income inequality is significantly higher in the US then almost every nations on earth. Canadians live a much better life then Americans do. I know..as a vetran and US immigrant that did live in Vancouver..quality of life is high...but sadly...the chinese and developers has made life hell for the lower and middle income renters. I should go back. Im 51 though.

[@jockywochy]

Fishbowl Girl Wrong on all accounts. Not Canadian, not an arrogant Yank either. Just stating the facts ma'am.

[@bombardierrecreationalprod1023]

How is America the greatest coumtry in the world again ?

[@imisstoronto3121]

yeah it's not.

[@frankypawson5045]

the problem is that america was based on pure capitalism from the very begening of its develeptment... and that system does not equel democracy

[@Kasadoll]

We aren't...

[@toyman9642]

A friend, who's an RN in the southern U.S. has told me horror stories about the disgusting U.S. health care system. Families literally going bankrupt and losing their homes just to pay for needed medical care. She is continually attempting to locate less expensive generic drugs for low income seniors. She has even had a patient commit suicide for lack of health care. For insurance companies to dictate which treatment physicians can and cannot give to a patient is disgusting.

[@100legodude]

I don't see how this guy was stereotyping anyone. He was just critizing the health care/tax issues that America is definitely suffering. In the context of those issues, it would be a reasonable statement to say that America "ain't that great".

[@robertgrey5993]

You can visit your relatives, jest don't let your Canadian healthcare lapse

[@laceyenglish6702]

I know right?? Like they could spend months in the states and still have their canadian healthcare when they come home....

[@ruaxjw2386]

They would need to purchase travel insurance to be covered while in US. With a pre-existing condition, her son likely won't qualify. So huuuge bill if he should need medical care while there.

[@stma05]

Ruax Jw2 You would purchase that through Canadian secondary insurance companies were “pre-existing conditions” are defined as something you have before purchasing - but doesn’t overly affect your ability to get coverage. If you have a preexisting condition they usually ask that you’ve been stable for 60 days prior to your trip- however some say 6 months. If you are and something happens on your trip you’re covered. If it’s less than the stabilization timeframe then you are not covered. They all list different guidelines for stabilization: have there been new medications? An increase in dosage? Any new symptoms? Symptoms getting worse? Test results suggesting condition is getting worse? Any admission to hospitals or referrals to specialists?

[@jamesmontgomery3839]

These "LONG WAITTIMES COMMENTS REALLY PISS ME OFF. t HAVE HAD 2 SORT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND FROM MD OFFICE TO DIAGNOSTICS IN THE HOSPITAL WAS 22 AND 23 MINUTES . THAT INCLUDES DRIVING TIME. ......SORRY ABOUT THE YELL.

[@bobbiusshadow6985]

AGREED

[@joannemiddaugh122]

James Montgomery that’s just a talking point that the right wing nut jobs parrot after listening to alt right media propaganda. They don’t research anything they hear, don’t care about facts and suck all of it up like sponges. Then they spread the lies all over social media and elsewhere. Thinking is hard.

[@Timbrock1000]

James Montgomery Sure, emergency visits are quick. But what about a moderate or major operation, or to get a routine MRI? I know some Canadians at my Curling club who have told me about the long wait times for specialized care.

[@kyblore]

if some guy has to wait 6 months to be able to curl so someone can live through an emergency I'm fine with that

[@senorfumamucho4286]

James Montgomery I would rather wait longer for any surgery than pay a few $100,000 that I don't have and put my family in debt that my kids will have to pay off.

[@Tayvin4042]

And the right in America say healthcare shouldn't be a right, equating it to a luxury like a yacht or an extra house. Give me a break, people's lives depend on having healthcare, people deserve to have healthcare as a right.

[@estefany7329]

This is why I studied nursing in the United States and am looking forward to moving to Canada.

[@frankypawson5045]

thank god ..the more nurses the better be with us!!!

[@jasondonovan8633]

Cool woman hi

[@blackittysamurai]

Title should read "Can't Afford to Go Home".

[@malkaringel7864]

I agree. It costs a fortune in the US for any medical care

[@xFD2x]

But even when they were still living in the USA they couldn't afford the treatment. So the title should read: "Can't afford to be sick in the USA."

[@r.scottmacleod4564]

Home of the Brave...Land of the bullshitters.

[@RE-yw4fe]

blackittysamurai Americans would have Universal Health Care too but they won't pay 16 to 18% sales tax that pays for it in Canada. We have 7% Florida double it and we have Universal Health Care too but Americans won't pay it. Kind of healthcare is not free by any means.

[@Yanaschaf]

R. Scott MacLeod Americans are lot of things, but they're not brave and not free.

[@crobinson2624]

OMG why isn't this video front and center in Bernie Sander's presidential campaign?

[@frankypawson5045]

BECAUSE even he is an american and americans DO NOTlike canadians showing them up on anything no matter what it might be!!!! if you study up on the history between our borders you will see that very clearly!!!!

[@KatnooriCMT]

I am from Florida but all my FAM is from Canada I wish my grandparents stayed in N.S. goldboro/Isaac's harbor I love Canada! and I never knew about the health care.

[@yarbgreat1]

Canada seems awesome. Maybe one day our country will be as awesome as yours.

[@jerry3579]

It won't. Profits will always come before its people's needs. And, now it's a Police State as well, ugh. That's two very good reasons to get the hell outta here.

[@senorfumamucho4286]

yarbgreat1 we have lots of room guys. Our northern provinces need people. You will get paid double to do any job than anywhere else in Canada.

[@callak_9974]

That's only if they can survive the winters up there!

[@sharonshoop495]

and live in cold and misery in the northern province and a long way away from amenities. Like the fire in northern Alberta with only 1 road out. No thanks

[@lesobliteres]

Sorry but us citizens will never have universal health care...because your system is Capitalism $$...universal health care is the opposite. So money first..guns and then people ...SaD

[@joshandallo2170]

Why is it wrong for healthcare to be altruistic? Why is it wrong for us to take care of one another? Isn't that what the essence of life is: looking after each others needs more than our own?

[@swissnor]

You see thats the big difference with the U.S. health care is not a right but a privilege.

[@rtdnan]

Absolutely Correct. I'm so glad you said it.

[@swissnor]

rtdnan It's sad but true.

[@swissnor]

Thank God I am from Europe.

[@daveni2]

swissnor I know you are lucky not to live next door to the boogie man lol

[@swissnor]

American is such a great country in many ways. The U.S. is a World leader in many fields and shows great innovation, but health and education are not some of them.

[@MrRandymn]

As an RN who has worked in the California prison system for 18+ years, I can assure everyone that there is at least one group of Americans who receive quality health care at no cost. California inmates. I can only dream of having healthcare equal to their's...

[@angelaj8958]

I have known fellow Americans who died because they could not afford to get health insurance, and when they finally got care, it was too late. One was a lady with diabetes who developed a rapidly progressive kidney problem, the other was a self-employed cable guy with melanoma. People die every day in the USA from a lack of medical treatment. But the billionaires got another tax break, with which they are not hiring anyone or giving out raises.

[@johnspooner1403]

It occured to me wathing this that some people in the US literally do not or cannot believe that the statements made in this video are true.

[@GibsonB4512]

A few years ago, an Eastern European family granted refugee status in the US were driving from the US to Calgary to visit friends when they struck a moose in Manitoba and the father was air-lifted to Winnipeg as he was completely paralyzed. After a few months recuperating, they discovered that they're not allowed back in to the US due to "financial burden" reasons and they were all left to their own devices. Manitoba immediately granted them asylum and went to great lengths to settle the family & have the father's welfare taken care of. This was prior to the Trump era. There were no financial costs to the family, whatsoever. The complete & total lack of empathy of the US gov't towards this family lowered my respect for the US even more than it had been. Shame on them!

[@mjcard]

Kevin Babb You mean it was during the rein of the great Obama? My goodness. I thought he was so perfect. (irony)

[@hzuiel]

Without more details and proof, it's not even a worthwhile anecdote, but then anecdotes don't really mean anything anyway.

[@HOTRAILProductions]

Too bad we cant use the "financial burden" reason to keep 3rd world blood-suckers out. If we did, or poverty level would be much lower as well as healthcare.

[@gregstewart8771]

So thankful you all got the treatment you deserved as people. Only the best wishes to you and all Americans. L'amour du Canada à nos frères Américains.

[@nordby1000]

I`m a Norwegian, and in my country, we pay incometax, and last year i was diagnose with Muliple Sclerose (MS)... . I have never pay a dollar or kroner to get my medicin or healthcare in hospital. Well, we pay 25 % tax, but if we get some deceese, we get so many thing from the goverment, with no incurane.... I love this security

[@allgoo1930]

What do they need to go home for? I'd stay there till I die no problem.

[@SusseBo]

It is obviously not about rights it is about money. Many while young do not realize that their choices made will effect their lives further down the road. We all make them.

[@ndv135]

I live in Canada, and every time that I or someone that I know gets sick or has problems I just am so thankful for my government making the rational decision to give universal health care.

[@losebellyfatfast1475]

awesome clip. Fantastic work. gain a lot of knowledge from this clip.

[@NJSMKMMS]

I come from Australia where we have universal health care so it's hard for me to see it as anything other than it being a right for all. For those that disagree with it find your heart.....if you can't then think of one of your own suffering and not being able to get the best care available because they can't pay for it.

[@KyleP2800]

I am pretty sure that the USA spends more than Canada on healthcare (although, USA has 10x the amount of people.

[@12from121]

googiespage USA spends 3x more than Canada per patient!

[@12from121]

rtdnan yeah go take your meds

[@jackwilliams5474]

Nobody has a right to healthcare.

[@henkoosterink8744]

Fishbow Wait till you need medical care, see what happens in the US if you do not have the money.

[@ashtree80]

I hate to point this out but watching this, I was actually shocked by how expensive BC health care is! They have to pay each month? That's crazy! I am a born Ontarian so this is a completely foreign concept. All we pay for is parking. $100/ month isn't much but still. As someone who has never had to pay a penny - and my family has had multiple surgeries, appointments, tests etc - I guess I didn't know how unequal healthcare is within Canada. Why does BC have to pay monthly???

[@togirl188]

+ashtree80 you are not old enough to remember but up until the mid 80's we also paid a monthly premium, and you paid according to your family situation. The prov govt of the day put the burden on the employer, which personally I never agreed with.

[@ashtree80]

Wow! I didn't realize that! Yup, before my time.

[@macnutz4206]

Ashtree80. That is a straight up scam by the current liberal provincial government. They do charge a premium and even admit that none of that premium goes to health care. It's an illegal tax by the provincial liberal party. I have lived in both provinces and believe access to health care is easier here than in Ontario. The health care here is not less than in Ontario. Fortunately the provincial rip off is income based. And it is not expensive relative to American private insurance with its many limits to what it is willing to spend on treatment. Where people have real problems is in Northern Canada, where people have to come to the cities for treatment of major health problems and there are fewer doctors and hospitals. That is one of the reasons I no longer live in the north.

[@MarilynJonesEdmonton]

You can always move to Alberta. We don't pay any health care premiums.

[@macnutz4206]

Marilyn Jones This premium we pay in BC is BS. Corruption, from my point of view. None of it goes into medical services. Our taxes already pay for the insurance. That is why I have never freaked out about paying more tax than I would in the States. We get something for those taxes. The premium scam, in BC, gives me mental hives. Grrr

[@kjerstinanderson3383]

As a chronically ill American, I’m sitting here sobbing at how wonderful these countries are. Why does no one in the US consider health care a right? My country is broken in every position way, and every day I am terrified for my future.

[@dennisschwartzentruber3204]

Consider yourself fortunate to be in Canada , the best country in the world !

[@MsDY45]

I have never understood why Americans haven't fought for some sort of better healthcare system. They seem to be convinced that their's is the best in the world. As a Brit who worked in the NHS all my life, having come here from a country with an insurance based system, I am eternally grateful for the excellence and benefits of our system. It has also come top in many studies. I have heard people say that elderly people are not cared for properly. I am 73 and three years ago I had an unexpected female bleed. Was seen by my GP that day, admitted within 10 days, and home and healthy after my operation three days later. I have heard of Americans with not enough insurance or chronic illness losing their homes etc. For the richest country in the world that is a shoddy record, not to have a good system to look after it's less well off citizens better.

[@GUITARTIME2024]

Diana Lake we dont necessarily think we have the best system, but truth is, most americans do have adequate health coverage (employer insurance, obamacare, medicaid, medicare (65+). Many of the bad stories of bankruptcy went away after obamacare took effect, but of course trump is the wild card. A horrible person.

[@MsDY45]

Unfortunately though if something like redundancy should prevent you continuing to pay your insurance and you get an illness, maybe chronic, what happens then? Where I previously came from a cousin needed an operation and because her husband had left her and her children with no insurance and little money she could not afford the operation. Luckily for her the family rallied around and paid for her op. We would never have such a terrible dilemma in Britain thank goodness .

[@GUITARTIME2024]

Diana Lake if u get fired, you can go on medicaid (though this varies by state) or obamacare (and if over 65 u go right on the medicare system, very easy, works fine). They cannot refuse you or your family for preexisting conditions anymore on any insurance. As soon as the person is employed, they can switch back to an employer plan if they want. We did it. No worries. When Trump is impeached or loses in 2020, our system will be fixed. Its coming, Trump is just a horrible blip.

[@GUITARTIME2024]

Miss She 400 a month for a family aint too shabby. Not sure about his condition and such....i understand that many are putting off retirement, but luckily, the attempts of the republucans to make older people (over 50) pay more didnt go through. Also, we lived in belgium, which has very good universal healthcare, and the taxes were awful. lol. Still, America does need univ. healthcare bc the current system is not right.

[@MsDY45]

That has always been my gripe with countries that expect their citizens to supply their own insurance. Because not all people can afford it and there are many irresponsible people as well; which means that the most vulnerable suffer. In Britain it is automatically taken out of people's wages and therefore hardly noticed, but we always have the peace of mind that all our illnesses will be covered for life.

[@leathergunn]

Your welcome ...

[@BlackEpyon]

The one drawback of the Canadian system is that if you need to see a specialist for something that isn't life threatening, you'll go on a list and probably have to wait a few months. The good side of that is that you'll never see a bill. In Canada, if you need to see the doctor, you go see the doctor, and you'll never hear of a Canadian going bankrupt from a hospital visit. Now, for elective procedures, like dental or eye care, that's another story. You either gotta pay for those out of pocket, or with insurance.

[@micheilehenderson385]

I left the US almost 25 years ago thinking I'd go back after some time abroad. After just 9 months I went back for vacation and realised that I would not be raising my daughter there. I honestly wished my parents would have moved here. Their lives were so unnecessary difficult in the States. Healthcare, employment security and the social safety nets. I see my family and friends having so much difficulty with things that I don't have to stress about here (The Netherlands). I feel for both families in this video. I hope FATCA isn't also making your lives difficult.

[@frankypawson5045]

good for you!!!!

[@johnbenton4488]

Can either of these two ladies explain in simple term to our (UK) government that universal healthcare such as NHS is infinitely preferable to the US system where private healthcare is virtually compulsory, and insurance companies make huge amounts of money from exclusion clauses, gat-outs, and horrendous premiums.

[@tc13utube]

+John Benton how much your government understands this will be directly proportional to how beholden they are to the private health insurance lobbyists.

[@johnbenton4488]

FOAD Arsehole.

[@SCGMLB]

People in the US who are against universal healthcare are all absolutely certain the people in the UK and Canada die because the government tells them they have to wait for care or that it is otherwise rationed.

[@jamesmontgomery3839]

+Stephen Gallagher I am Canadian. And yes it is rationed. But only for elective or non escential. Emergencies are immediate.

[@somewhatinformed716]

+Stephen Gallagher this is true we find this through all history free stuff is worthless.

[@emmiliafedorov3786]

What is the point of this video...everyone know american health care sucks...

[@JamesLRiggs]

And that Canada's is worse.

[@user-fb3yf2xb2z]

but the UK is now trying to copy their flawed system.

[@mrbushlied7742]

I immigrated to the UK from the USA 20 years ago last month. It was the best thing I ever did. I receive excellent health care from the NHS. America, love it or leave it. I left it!

[@TheJules1003]

There were also patients waiting and they got fed up of waiting and left for home. One woman that I met lately had her second bout with pneumonia and she too waited 10 hours in the waiting room and also had to pay a horrendous parking fee which made her even more sick. There are pros and cons with our Canadian health care system but the one good thing is that you don't have to turn over your house or your car to pay for the services like what happens in other countries.

[@RuleofFive]

Good video and I'm grateful to these ladies for sharing their stories. Even 6 years later and the US could not get Universal Healthcare going. So we have this compromise plan. Its better than nothing but its far from what Canada and many other industrialized countries have.

[@Torontogal1973]

+RuleofFive It all starts with prevention, early screening would save lives and increase the quality of life. If Universal Health Care is going to be affordable in America. You have to start catching illness before it becomes chronic and life threatening, that's when the real expensive happens. Doctor's are receiving bonus Cheque's from HMO's in the States for not running batteries of tests on patients it's unethical and inhumane , the cost of one person getting sick can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars; that enough money for a shit load of tests. "Ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

[@RuleofFive]

+Sweety Loz I couldn't agree with you more. Right now most plans under the ACA require you to pay your monthly premiums and then the first $6000.00 dollars out of pocket before the plan pays dollar one. I think that stops a lot of people from doing the preventative visits. I watched Michael Moore's Sicko several years ago and I was impressed with a British Doctor that said he received a bonus if he got one of his patients to stop smoking or lose weight. I thought it was a smart idea and could prevent many expensive health problems down the road. Like you said prevention is the key.

[@Torontogal1973]

RuleofFive I like that Doctor's are getting more involved with the prevention of illness. They need to be taught more about the needs and benefits of eating healthy, so they can pass the information to their patience. So many people eat bad food, and don't understand the impact it's having on them. Being skinny, doesn't always mean your healthy.

[@RuleofFive]

+Sweety Loz Oh that is so true. American doctors spend very little time talking with their patients about nutrition because they can't bill for it. They also understand very little about nutrition as medicine in the US emphasizes drugs for treatment and that is backwards but profitable for pharmaceutical companies. Prevention gets very little attention here.

[@jimdille6015]

+RuleofFive Vote for Bernie.

[@Bookerb2004]

Universal health care is not a privilege if you ca spend billions on military spending throw a fe bucks to your citizens that need help, socialism No, if it offends you... But don't ever deny basic dignity to you own

[@rtdnan]

The reason "they" put War First is because they are Inbred Elitists who lack a soul. They feel Nothing..... have No Empathy for the people of America. They are not even American, they are Globalist Filth.......the worse kind of No- conscience Trash that there is on earth. Insane Serial Killers have more Remorse than a Globalist.

[@glossygloss472]

Lol, you're terribly misinformed. The US spends the most money in the world on healthcare (18% gdp). The US also is a center for innovation in the health industry and creates medical breakthroughs that the world leaches off of. Funny, all these foreigners complaining about America's health care yet they indirectly benefit off of it.

[@neilcameron3021]

they spend more because everything is 5 times normal price.Not better outcomes and thousands go bankrupt losing their properties

[@JohnMurphy-fb8sw]

The US has no innovation or medical breakthroughs. Most advanced medical procedures and most medical innovatiion used in the United States were developed in Canada.

[@robertlongwill2077]

the USA is a centre for innovation, yes i agree but most innovation has come from this country. how do we indirectly benefit from american healthcare?

[@TravelNut72]

Cancer 5 year survivor. Amazing cancer care, research and surgeons. A full 8 months of treatment and 5 years of follow up and guess what? My cost ? = 0 I am blessed to part of such a health care system. We are all owners of it we all pay our taxes to make it the way it is. Thank you Canada !

[@xuesonglin3248]

On top of the universal healthcare system issue, a lot of medical expenses are more expensive as well , like prescription cost hospital cost and etc. Canada actually limit the pricing. Prescription cost is also 40% cheaper averagely.

[@honour123]

Health Care, Education, Clean Water, Food, Sanitation, Law and Order, Defence are the responsibilities of a RESONSIBLE GOVERNMENT!

[@elephantpancakes4734]

honour123 Yeah, well, we don't deserve it. We aren't worthy. I would do anything to see a doctor right now. Our ER sent me home before I could fill out the paperwork because we couldn't pay. The base charge just to get into an ER here is $200.00, then they bill for anything else. Even if they don't treat you, you still get a bill of $500.00 or more for going up there. A bug bite cost us over $800.00 and all they did was prescribe an over the counter steroid cream -- no shots, no lab, just wrote a prescription and charged us almost $900.00. They don't like to treat people who don't have an obvious complaint like a broken arm or gunshot wound.

[@portauxbasquesmale]

and sounding by your answers of a lot of americans.......why are us citizens so dumb and ill informed on just about everything??????????......open your eyes to the big picture and not the part that you want to see

[@braydanduchene7983]

Bill Randall that’s a load of horse shit

[@richq1318]

I really hope this is all true because I would love to move to BC. I am big on people getting good healthcare and not having to pay. I would love to have my tax dollars go to these causes and not to the military.

[@MsVeggieEater]

It's true. I live in northern bc but have been all over the province. If you are sick you walk in for treatment and walk out never filling out paperwork or thinking of the cost. I have a friend in Boston and he had a bad flu for a while and I told him, "why don't you just go see a doctor?" Of course, he had no money for it and had to live with it. For me, this is very strange. xD

[@johnbenton4488]

+Rich Q Then go to Canada immediately. (I'm English and live in England). Canada is a beautiful country where a warm welcome is guaranteed.

[@richq1318]

+Jacquelynn North It makes no sense at all to be sick and have to worry about money. There are many times people are sick and die just due to the fact they have no money. It is strange, yet, people pour into the USA all the time. My health is very very important. I need to go to the health clinic for a number of things but can't go due to money.

[@richq1318]

John Benton I will have to find a way to get there!

[@MsVeggieEater]

Rich Q Yup, its a very foreign concept for me. There are other things about your country that are very different. Would be interesting to visit and see if some of the stereotypes are true. xD

[@KyleRuggles]

11 years later and it's sad the USA is still stuck. Richest country in the world and greed is keeping everyone sick.

[@DjWellDressedMan]

Grew up in a very wealthy town in the USA, you could not pay me to live in the USA, left 25 years ago, Canadian Health Act is guaranteed to all Canadians!

[@philipple59988]

Go Canada

[@jerry3579]

I'm an American, and if I ever emigrate to Canada (it sounds VERY appealing these days), I'd NEVER complain about missing the U.S. It wouldn't be very hard to love my new country, as I've been there several times. These two women have more than one choice actually. Why don't they ask for their family to come to them, instead of the other way around? I've heard conflicting stories about how long a person has to live there to receive healthcare benefits. One of my Canadian friends said you have to already be a citizen. Does that mean that permanent residents have to pay completely out of pocket? Don't get me wrong, I'm not judging anything. I'm just looking for information, thank you.

[@Miriyasf]

permanent residents are covered too.

[@protazoid6698]

All residents are covered. I think its 30 or 60 days depending on the province.

[@greggmitchell4173]

+Protazoid I have dual citizenship, I live in the US. When I retire I hope to spend 3 months a year in Canada (PEI). Will I be eligible for the socialized medicine?

[@nicoletube4918]

+Gregg Mitchell No, you will need to be 'domiciled' in the respective province to be eligible for healthcare. Staying there 3/12 months will result in your US address being designated your primary residence. You generally need to be there for 6 months + 1 day, and it would be good to do things like establish a permanent mailing address and get a PEI drivers license. Make sure you get in touch with a CPA who specializes in US/Canadian cross border tax issues. It might be good to do some tax planning ahead of time to maximize your enjoyment in your golden years. Just be humble about your situation as some folk might get jealous.

[@greggmitchell4173]

+Protazoid1 I will have a residence there, but I'm not happy about the six month requirement. I will take your advice.

[@iRMacMan]

I live in British Columbia. In 2010 I was diagnosed with colon cancer. Surgery and chemo followed. I don't know what the surgery cost because, as the people in the video say, nothing was billed to me. If I hadn't asked my oncologist, I wouldn't have known what the chemo cost, either. But I did and it was pretty shocking: $5000+ per treatment for a series of twelve treatments. I'm guessing the surgery plus hospital stay would have been another $30 000 - $40 000; maybe more. From diagnosis to surgery took exactly one month. Eight years have passed and I am alive and healthy and not financially crippled. Oh; I did have to pay for some supplemental drugs to reduce nausea caused by chemo. They cost a few hundred dollars, but were partly covered by my BC Pharmacare plan. BTW, they ended up not working too well, so I switched to marijuana, which is amazingly successful as a nausea suppressant. And because I live in a civilized society where medical marijuana is available, I did not get arrested and imprisoned for doing so. In conclusion I should mention that I just paid my annual health care fees a week ago. A year's coverage for my wife and myself cost a total of $900. If I was deemed a low-income earner (I'm not) I would have got the same coverage at zero cost.

[@jinhan5129]

As a Canadian I believe that healthcare is a basic human right for everyone no matter their social status. I think that countries who do not offer universal healthcare are not taking care of their citizens.

[@oventi_]

Interesting video. However, I am troubled as why these people seem to yearn for the US rather that be happy living in a society that will not meet their needs. Maybe switch your patriotism to Canada :)

[@TheClosetiguana]

I'm guessing their entire family and friends didn't move with them. It's called being homesick. Canadians get it too in the US.

[@Oftheway88]

they would be happy if their family was there.

[@deborahphillips500]

Andrés Proaño They miss their families! They worry that they won’t be able to support them because health issues have forced them to remain in Canada. Didn’t you bother to listen (I mean, really! Listen!) to what they were saying?

[@robertlongwill8856]

Deborah Phillips that is irrelevant they come up here they've abused the system but they whine and complain about not living in the United States I got news for you I wish they just move the hell back to the United States because I can't stand Americans they keep cutting down Canada they can stay in the states

[@glenreaume6744]

How much of the video did you watch . They both said why they wanted to go back.

[@aton87]

I suppose the reason most would say it's "free healthcare" in Canada is because we would go to clinics, hospitals and make appointments for basic healthcare needs whether we're ill or not and not have to put out cash every time we would go. In reality yes it isn't free but it is available to every citizen of Canada. The government wanted every citizen to have access to basic healthcare and same as most services , the government will take the funds through Tax. in every provinces there are different percentage of tax which would be divided into Provincial and Federal government. In Ontario for example we have Harmonized Sales Tax for everything anyone would purchase which is 13% , 5% goes to Provincial and the 8% goes to Federal. At the end of the day the government wants to make sure that every citizen has access to services such as basic healthcare. Somehow Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand and other European countries were able to implement universal healthcare and still managed to put enough funds on other services. USA is not the powerhouse it once was, Military wise it still is because that's where most of the funding goes to somehow. The video is based upon the experiences of these Americans that are in Canada. Every provinces maybe different but the access to basic healthcare goes across the country.

[@poppafiveone]

+John Puerto Capitalism only cares about the dollar. What better way than to exploit the misfortunes of their citizens.

[@andrewmosley6323]

aton's adventures ii

[@beejayoung1546]

Actually 8 percent to province 5 percent to federal.

[@demonpride1975]

people say it isn't free because we pay for it in our taxes. but people need to realize one thing, taxes are not just collected for health care. it also goes to education, road services. paying government employees. we pretty much pay next to nothing in the long run.

[@frankypawson5045]

americans are conditioned to believe they have to pay through the nose for every tiny morsal!!!!

[@SandraNelson063]

My OHIP coverage isn't free. I and every other Ontarian pay for it in taxes. When I was able to work it was good to know that I was helping people get the care they needed. It just makes plain sense to have health care for everyone. It's human decency. And now that I am on disability I am just grateful that I live in Canada and not the US.

[@papi8659]

thank god for Canada, these people are very lucky

[@TH-tl6sy]

I'm canadian and I'm not sure about these comments about wait times. luckily I've never needed much medical care but in my limited experience I went to my doctor in the afternoon, had surgery scheduled the next day. went to my doctor about a headache after hitting my head, was sent to the hospital for a CAT scan. I know people do have longer waits in canada than the US for elective surgeries like having your knee scoped or scraped. But urgent care is immediate. unfortunately there is a shortage of doctors and nurses because they tend to run to the states where they get paid big money. Some provinces charge a monthly healthcare some don't. My province doesn't, but when it used too it was $32.50 a month and if you ever need to go to the ER or Doctors office you just went. Now I don't pay anything and if I need to go to a Doctor I just go, and I've never had to wait for any procedures more than a day.

[@zammmerjammer]

I know things like knee and hip replacements have a significant wait time but a lot of that is due to having more and more older people as the population ages (another reason we NEED immigrants and refugees -- xenophobes might want to consider who is going to be paying for their and their parents' medical care). And getting in to see your family doctor can take a while depending on where you live but I would MUCH rather have a system that takes care of everyone as best it can (with some hitches) rather than one that has excellent care reserved for a privileged few and built upon telling poor people to go die in a hole. I heard about a middle class man who HAD insurance and thought he was set but he had multiple heart attacks in a few years and his wife had cancer so his insurance company basically cut him loose for costing them too much money. Sorry, but that is not how a civilized society behaves.

[@demonpride1975]

that's because it is all based on necessity. a head injury can be life threatening. 4 years ago when i got my gul bladder taken out. i fell at home and smashed my head on the door frame. my friend called the ambulance, the doctor said it was the right thing to do because head injuries can kill you, without even realizing you were hurt. even the doctor agreed it's the right thing.