Health care in Canada
Health care in Canada
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Health care in Canada is delivered through a publicly-funded health care system, with most services provided by private entities.[1] It is guided by the provisions of the Canada Health Act.[2]
In the Canadian system the government does not run the hospitals or hire the doctors. The government assures the quality of care through federal standards and acts as a broker to collect taxes and premiums and pay them out to the private sector. It does not participate in day-to-day care or collect any information on an individual's health. This is between the patient and his or her doctor.
Health insurance in Canada is cost effective partly because of its administrative simplicity. In a single payer system (with the government as broker), there is no need for lobbying or extensive advertising. Health care standards are established federally, with each province managing its local area.
In general, costs are paid through a combination of low monthly premiums (e.g.,$54/month in British Columbia[5]) and/or funding from income taxes. Three provinces currently charge premiums. Individuals under a certain income level pay low or no taxes and receive subsidies toward premiums if applicable. There are no deductibles on basic health care and co-pays are extremely low or non-existent (supplemental insurance such as Fair Pharmacare may have deductibles, depending on income).
A health card[6], also called a Care Card, is issued by the local Ministry of Health to each individual who enrolls for the program and everyone receives the same level of care. There is no need for a variety of plans because virtually all essential basic care is covered, including maternity and infertility problems. Depending on the province, dental and vision care may not be covered but are often insured by employers through private companies. In some provinces, private supplemental plans are available for those who desire private rooms if they are hospitalized. Cosmetic surgery and some forms of elective surgery are not considered essential care and are generally not covered. These can be paid out-of-pocket or through private insurers. Health coverage is not affected by loss or change of jobs, as long as premiums are up to date, and there are no lifetime limits or exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
Pharmaceutical drugs may be paid out of pocket or through private insurance, depending on the person's preference. Some individuals have prescription drug coverage through Veteran's Affairs Canada, the Canadian Forces, or the RCMP.[3] Drug prices are negotiated with suppliers by the federal government to control costs.
General practitioners (GPs) are chosen by individuals through phone books within the province. If a patient wishes to see a specialist or is counseled to see a specialist, a referral can be made by a GP.
Preventive care and early detection are considered important and yearly checkups are encouraged. Early detection not only extends life expectancy and quality of life, but cuts down overall costs. Those suspected of abusing the system by over-frequent or frivolous use, can be tracked by the doctor through the ID on their health insurance card and may have to wait longer than those with more urgent needs.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Health care in Canada is delivered through a publicly-funded health care system, with most services provided by private entities.[1] It is guided by the provisions of the Canada Health Act.[2]
In the Canadian system the government does not run the hospitals or hire the doctors. The government assures the quality of care through federal standards and acts as a broker to collect taxes and premiums and pay them out to the private sector. It does not participate in day-to-day care or collect any information on an individual's health. This is between the patient and his or her doctor.
Health insurance in Canada is cost effective partly because of its administrative simplicity. In a single payer system (with the government as broker), there is no need for lobbying or extensive advertising. Health care standards are established federally, with each province managing its local area.
In general, costs are paid through a combination of low monthly premiums (e.g.,$54/month in British Columbia[5]) and/or funding from income taxes. Three provinces currently charge premiums. Individuals under a certain income level pay low or no taxes and receive subsidies toward premiums if applicable. There are no deductibles on basic health care and co-pays are extremely low or non-existent (supplemental insurance such as Fair Pharmacare may have deductibles, depending on income).
A health card[6], also called a Care Card, is issued by the local Ministry of Health to each individual who enrolls for the program and everyone receives the same level of care. There is no need for a variety of plans because virtually all essential basic care is covered, including maternity and infertility problems. Depending on the province, dental and vision care may not be covered but are often insured by employers through private companies. In some provinces, private supplemental plans are available for those who desire private rooms if they are hospitalized. Cosmetic surgery and some forms of elective surgery are not considered essential care and are generally not covered. These can be paid out-of-pocket or through private insurers. Health coverage is not affected by loss or change of jobs, as long as premiums are up to date, and there are no lifetime limits or exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
Pharmaceutical drugs may be paid out of pocket or through private insurance, depending on the person's preference. Some individuals have prescription drug coverage through Veteran's Affairs Canada, the Canadian Forces, or the RCMP.[3] Drug prices are negotiated with suppliers by the federal government to control costs.
General practitioners (GPs) are chosen by individuals through phone books within the province. If a patient wishes to see a specialist or is counseled to see a specialist, a referral can be made by a GP.
Preventive care and early detection are considered important and yearly checkups are encouraged. Early detection not only extends life expectancy and quality of life, but cuts down overall costs. Those suspected of abusing the system by over-frequent or frivolous use, can be tracked by the doctor through the ID on their health insurance card and may have to wait longer than those with more urgent needs.
