I required a hip replacement about four years ago. I had to wait five months, but then, I'd waited nine years by my own choice. Another five months was no big deal. The total cost was maybe $50 dollars in fuel driving to and from the the hospital for pre-op appointments. Even the follow-up health care was covered. The replacement gave me a life that was not filled with daily pain. The biggest hardship I faced was having to share a room for a week with a fellow who'd had a knee replacement. Some hardship. Oh, yeah, I had to pay a rental fee of $20 for articles I needed after the operation: walker, seat to raise the toilet seat level, special chair to use in the shower.

I cannot understand why countries do not develop universal medical coverage. I do not understand. My nephew was treated for leukemia. He died at the age of eight from it. Had the family had to pay the bill for his treatment and care, the cost would have been $585,000. Who the hell can afford that? Public medicine has drawbacks, for sure. But the alternatives are unthinkable. The cost of coverage in Alberta for a family is about $70/month. There are arangements for people who can't afford the $70/month. A single person pays about $40/month.