I can’t be the only person who eagerly watched the US election debates just waiting to see what Trump would say or do. Watching him implode was some of the best TV I had watched in a long time and it was even better to watch Saturday Night Live the following week to see their interpretation his antics. I have to be honest and say I thought there was no way that he would win but weren’t we all in for a big surprise when Hilary lost (have to laugh and admit that as I am writing this I am watching clips from a press conference he held today and what a show!).
As a nurse who has worked in both the American health care system and of course works here in Ontario, I am afraid for what the Americans are facing over the next four years. While our health care system is not perfect, I feel so fortunate that we have a universal health care system. Yes we pay taxes that helps fund OHIP but we don’t have to pay out of pocket to see our providers or for any investigations. Many Americans can’t afford health insurance and are charged for every visit to their providers and for each investigation. When I lived in the US 20 years ago, my health insurance would only fund 80% of visits and investigations. At that time, my portion of an ultrasound was $150 so could you imagine paying $750 plus the cost for labs and costs to see the provider? While Obama introduced Obama care to help people to afford health care, Trump is determined to get rid of it so who knows what will take its place. Makes me so glad to be a Canadian!