All the attention right now is on whether or not to create a universal health care system in the United States. It is easy to get smug while listening to the health care debate down south. Before we get too smug, we need to ask ourselves what our universal health care system here in Alberta actually covers. Many basic health services are not covered.

Thankfully here in Canada if you go to the hospital for an emergency you are not going to have to file for bankruptcy to pay the hospital bills, the number one reason for bankruptcy in the United States. If you got to the hospital by ambulance though you will be charged about $342 for your ride here in Alberta. If you can you might as well take a limo to save money.

I fall into the group of Canadians without medical coverage. Many basic health care services I have to pay out of pocket for. It is a strange system that those with full time jobs are more likely to have medical coverage paid for by their employers. For a single person health insurance is about $681 per year. Many of these people have a decent income coming in and yet they don’t have to pay for medical services out of pocket or at the very least are significantly subsidized. Many low and no income people, those who can least afford it, do not have health insurance. Not much different than in the United States. This is our so called universal health care coverage.

One of the most important items not covered is eye glasses. My lens and frames cost about $200. This was the absolute cheapest by far that I could find at my optometrist. The eye exam cost $80. I couldn’t imagine walking around with blurred vision all day. I am near sighted and wouldn’t be able to see a foot in front of me. I wouldn’t be able to read much. Life would be frustrating to say the least. How many Albertans are walking around with blurred vision?

For most people the most expensive out of pocket health service not covered by our health care system is our teeth. A basic check up and teeth cleaning can cost about $500 to $600. If you have any cavities or other problems the price skyrockets upwards. If you are not working, any must have dentistry is probably going on the credit card. Otherwise you are stuck with your toothache. About 25% of Canadians are currently delaying or cancelling their trip to the dentist. Hello plaque build up and future mouth problems.

If your back hurts or your muscles are sore, going to a chiropractor, physiotherapist, massage therapist etc. is going to cost you a bundle (at least $70 an hour). If you have no income or have a low income there is not a chance you are visiting these professionals.

You have to pay out of pocket for prescription drugs. I know people who do not get their inhaler replaced even though they have asthma because they can’t afford it. What happens when they have an asthma attack? On the news last night they had one woman who is unable to afford her bi-polar medication. That is scary. Need home or long term care, good luck if you can’t afford it.

Those that need health care services the most are not receiving them. That is not universal coverage. Some services like dental and eye glass care can be received for free at your local homeless shelter. I would recommend for people to phone Alberta Works at 1-866-644-5135 to see if the government can cover your costs.

I believe that universal health care coverage should be a big issue in the September 14, 2009 Alberta bi-election in Calgary Glenmore. Contact the Alberta government and opposition parties and demand that universal health care coverage should cover all basic health services, especially in times of recession.