I have been getting one of those letters from Health Care Connect for the last year and some odd months as well. I found out at work from a lady that moved to my town less than a year ago that she was connected with a doctor within her first 6 months. I have a feeling they work on a needs-basis, and as I have no immediate health care "needs", I am sitting somewhere at the bottom of the list, whereas she was bumped closer to the top because she is diabetic and has several resultant issues dealing with.
I needed to get a prescription, however, (for something I purchased OTC in my home country), so I went to the Emergency room of my local hospital, and waited it out until I saw a doctor. It took about two hours, but most of a good book and some stale magazines later, I walked out with my prescription.
I was also prevailed upon to have a medical examination by my Canadian co-workers who were horrified to discover I had never had this examination before, whereas they considered it a routine health care matter. I eventually was able to have it done through a community service programme, the staff agreed to do it because they too were surprised I had never had it done before, although I am older than their general care cohort.
For now, I am content with these "work-around" solutions, because I take care of my health through exercise and a fairly decent diet, and have few complaints aside from a cold/flu maybe once a year. It matters more to me that my husband, who has a chronic condition, receives good care, and that at least it looks like people with greater need are getting seen to.
