[DianneS]

I used to live in the States. I was born there, but became a Canadian citizen several years ago.

It makes me sad and angry to see people fighting to get medical coverage or having premiums increased due to illness. That's the last thing a person needs when they are sick.

Here in British Columbia, Canada, my husband and I pay $109 per month for both of us. That covers all medical expenses. Lab, hospital, x-rays, everything. There is no co-pay. There is no deductible. There are no forms to fill out. Ever. I think this is a reasonable amount to pay. It is based on a sliding scale as well. Also, I have never waited for care. I know that's a popular myth perpetrated in the US but it's not true, at least where I live. We can choose which province we want to have care in if a specialist happens to be out of province. That's a huge benefit and it's free.

National socialized healthcare is definitely the way to go, having experienced the alternative for most of my 50+ years in the US. When we lived in the US, we paid for co-pays and that 20% added up. When I broke my shoulder in 2003 in the US (I was still living there) I had to wait 6 hours!! in ER for care before they even looked at me. That is inhumane. For comparison, when I broke my wrists in Canada and was not even a resident or citizen yet, the hospital took me right in. No questions asked. No forms to fill out. And I never got a bill.

I hope there are some real solutions to the medical issue in the US because what you have isn't working. I have a daughter living there and I worry about her not getting medical care because she can't afford the co-pays. People, not money, have to come first.

Best of luck to you, my heart goes out to all of you!

Dianne