NSNDP

August 15th, 2022

People left paying for health care after Houston’s first year in charge

HALIFAX – People, like Jennifer DeCoste, who are already struggling without a family doctor are now left paying out of pocket for critical test results that they need. Tim Houston’s health care is leaving people waiting without care and costing them money during a cost of living crisis.

As reported by the CBC, Jennifer DeCoste recently had to pay out of pocket for a virtual consultation over text message just to get the results of her mammogram. Like over 105,000 other Nova Scotians, DeCoste is without a primary care provider.

DeCoste used the virtual pay-for-use app Maple and told the CBC, "It felt like there was no care in the health care."

With tens of thousands of families looking for a family doctor, 25,000 people on the waitlist for surgery, and hospitals and emergency departments working over capacity more and more often, people are worried the health care they need won’t be there when they need it or worse they won’t be able to afford it.

“Every day we hear from people who have avoided going to the ER or left without being seen and don’t know where to turn for help,” said NDP Health spokesperson Susan Leblanc. “Does the Premier think it’s ok for people to pay out of pocket just to get their own test results? Health care is much worse today and families are left to pay the price. The Premier tells us that we have to wait, but at what cost? People need help today, later is too late. Premier Houston, how much will it cost everyday people to get the care they need today?”

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