Count Your Health Care Blessings

  Jimmy Kimmel just brought me to tears.  His monologue last night, which I saw on Twitter, about his son having open heart surgery at three days old, is heart wrenching to say the least. He was so honest and open about the devastating diagnosis, that it will make you look at the comedian in a new light. The story ended on a wonderful note with Billy surviving the surgery and being able to go home five days after the surgery. Success. Those doctors will forever be in the Kimmel family's hearts.

  But he brought up an even bigger point. One that is very timely and so important. His son, had he been born before 2014, would not have qualified for health insurance in the U.S. because he was born with a pre-existing condition. Imagine that. The Kimmel's could afford any type of care needed even with out insurance. But what about you and me? We certainly could not. 

  Jimmy said, through tears, no parent should have to figure out how to pay to keep their child alive. How can you claim to be the greatest country in the world and have that happen? Does a child's life have a price tag? It seems so. Let me clarify....no children's hospital in the U.S. is ever going to not treat a child because of financial reasons. That's not who doctors and nurses who care for children are. Insurance companies well they are a different story.

  No matter your politics. No matter your finances. No matter where you live or what religion you practice, all people will agree on this one point.....we need to keep our children healthy. No matter the cost. These are innocent children. They must be taken care of. Period.

  With universal healthcare in Canada some people focus on what is wrong with our system. One thing I know for sure. I will NEVER have to worry about taking my child to the doctor. A trip to the hospital won't bankrupt me. We will always be given the absolute best care possible. Always.

   We are so lucky.

  Ang