New Teaching Contract

[shootingstar]

One thing for certain, when finding a family doctor, as a patient I focus on:

*convenient/accessible location
*covenient hrs.
*good rapport with the doctor: aka someone I can ask all sorts of questions and not get brushed off. And from doctor, who conveys current info.
*choice of another doctor in urgent situation, if my doctor is not immediately available

I have never spent any time or need to, figure out what sort of arrangement there is between doctor and some other party on insurance since I haven't had catastrophic/major illnesses, surgeries yet. But even if I did, it's not going to change for whatever extra out of pocket costs there will be, no matter which doctor I choose on my own in any city in any province. It will always be what the province has set for special drugs by legislation and what additional costs patient will have to pay.

Depending on the income (lower income), disability (if any) and age (ie. seniors), there may be some discounting.


Yes true, regular medical lab tests, pap test, breast cancer screening.. are not out of pocket billed. In fact, the provincial health authorities send notices to all women as a reminder. I know I've lived in Ontario, B.C. and Albera.

Depending on the province, there are some differences for certain services that a resident will have to pay if not covered by an extended employer paid health care benefit..ie ambulance services, certain drugs.

to answer :

Where does the line get drawn at the role of government in protecting individuals from themselves? How much power do you want to give your government over you?

I would want govn't to control over ...alot in the areas of health care and public safety. Example: Alberta dentists don't have a much of a fee cap on their services. It's pretty shocking to pay hundreds of dollars just for teeth cleaning and check-up. B.C. and Ontario have stronger controls on capping fees for dentists. Very different.

After working for a provincial regulatory agency on fire safety and haz mat clean-up, then at a major construction engineering project, you really do want govn't regulatory control plus follow-up inspection and fines....to protect people. The private sector will cut corners and it's pretty shocking what can happen quickly... I've seen it.


I expect our Canadian income tax rate might be different (meaning a bit higher) than some of the state income tax state rates which might account again, for some people very resistant to perceived govn't control which they tend to equate to govn't costs.