The cost of healthcare

Last night Jimmy Kimmel had a very emotional and personal opening monologue. I've never seen him like this. 

He opened up about his son's birth and the immediate heart surgery his son required. His story was so moving (especially to us), as he revealed details of his son's birth and the rapid intervention of medical professionals that happened soon after.

If you haven't seen this yet, check it out. 

Jimmy's son (Billy) was rushed to Children's Hospital Los Angeles. It's very much like the Hospital for Sick Children (Sick Kids) in downtown Toronto. It's home to some of the greatest specialists in the industry. Children have the best possible outcome at Sick Kids, and we're so thankful that they open their doors to everyone, regardless of family income. 

At one point Jimmy says, "If your baby is going to die, it shouldn't matter how much money you make...we all agree on that, right?...No parent should ever have to decide if they can afford to save their child's life. It shouldn't happen."

This had me thinking. 

Here's another thing we sometimes take for granted.

Thank goodness that Belle was born here in Canada, with a health care system that is practically free. We only have to pay out-of-pocket for services like prescription drugs, prescription glasses, dental care, and a few others, but usually we have insurance to cover most of those things too.

We haven't received a single bill for Arabella's intensive care.

Did you know that an average day in the NICU costs around $1000 to $2000? And the costs keep climbing each year. Little Bella would have already racked up a bill of $75,000 - $150,000. It's crazy when you think about it, right?

I know that in the United States most families have health insurance (that usually covers 80-100% of the costs). But what about those that don't? Roughly 44 million people in the US don't even have insurance!

It's a huge debate in the US right now. President Trump has repeatedly been trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act (aka ObamaCare) that would remove protections for people with pre-existing conditions, very much similar to Jimmy's son. 

We should be so lucky to live in a country such as this. God keep our land glorious and free!