Posted by Michael Wonder on 04 Apr 2018
What should and shouldn’t be covered by Medicare?
3 April 2018 - When you or a family member falls gravely ill or suffers a serious injury, the learning curve is steep.
One of first and cruelest lessons is having your eyes opened to the limitations of medicare.
Break your leg and the X-ray and cast will be covered, but you will need to pay for the crutches. Break your jaw and it will be wired at no cost; break your teeth and you will pay the dentist. Get cancer treatment at the hospital and there will be no charge; take the same oncology medication at home and you will pay dearly. Suffer from severe depression and your hospitalisation will be covered, but psychological care and medications will not be covered by public insurance after you’re released. If you have diabetes and live in Quebec, many more of your drugs and supplies will be covered than in neighbouring New Brunswick. Need trauma care while visiting another province, and you could get stiffed with a big air ambulance bill. Live out your final days in a hospital and the state will pick up the tab, but do so in a nursing home and you will pay.
