The United States has for many years been like an “insurance policy” or safety valve for many Canadians. When faced with inability or excessive delay in getting treatment here, we could get that treatment in reasonable time by crossing the border.
Instead of waiting weeks for a simple diagnostic MRI for example, I could book an appointment in Buffalo and get it done within a couple of days. If it could mean a big different in my prognosis, the cost even out of pocket, even borrowed, is well worth it. Instead of waiting 6 to 18 months for a hip replacement, one can get it done in weeks or less by going south.
Soon that insurance will be gone (as will your private insurance options). In a few short years you will find that doctors will be prohibited from charging money directly to patients for services as that would allow people to get around the government control and *rationing* that is inevitable and is the reason for long waiting lists for our “free” care here.
