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Our Canadian health system, renowned for its universal coverage and publicly funded structure, is revered across the globe. However, the system itself has come under great scrutiny lately due to its inability to accommodate Canada's growing population. Wait times surpassing six months for specialist treatments have caused a great deal of dissatisfaction among Canadians, due to an increase in posed health risks. Costing billions, the strained system is being called on for reform by an expanding collective of critics. Some are even exploring the possibility of privatized healthcare.

I chose this article because it resonated with me; having health issues, I understand the struggle of having to wait months for simple tests and follow-up referrals, sharing waiting rooms with other patients, exposed to an array of new ailments compounding preexisting conditions. While I don't believe that privatization is the solution, I do believe that reform is necessary.

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"This year, Canadian patients faced a median wait of 27.7 weeks for medically necessary treatment," ... [+]
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More than one-fourth of Americans receive taxpayer-funded health coverage through Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program, according to the latest federal estimates.

But that "free" coverage has a significant cost. Medicaid beneficiaries must wait longer for care than those with private insurance. A study from 2021 found that Medicaid patients waited 1.3 days longer than commercially insured ones for primary care.

According to another study, Medicaid beneficiaries were 1.6 times less likely to successfully schedule a primary care appointment than those with primary insurance-and 3.3 times less likely to secure an appointment with a specialist.

Such waits are endemic to public health insurance. A new research paper from the Fraser Institute, a Canadian think tank, shows what happens when everyone within a country is trapped in a public health insurance system.

This year, Canadian patients faced a median wait of 27.7 weeks for medically necessary treatment from a specialist after being referred by a general practitioner. That's over six months-the longest ever recorded. It's a slight increase from last year's median wait-and a 198% increase from the 9.3-week median wait that patients faced in 1993, the year that Fraser began tracking wait times.

Some patients have it worse than others. Patients in Nova Scotia face a median wait of 56.7 weeks-more than a year-for specialist treatment following referral by a general practitioner. Those on Prince Edward Island are also in the year-long waiting club-a median of just over 55 weeks.

Patients face the longest post-referral wait for plastic surgery, a median delay of just over 52 weeks. Orthopedic and neurosurgery are close behind, with media waits of just over 44 and 43 weeks, respectively.

Across the board, patients waited a median of just under five weeks more than what doctors say is "clinically reasonable" to receive treatment from a specialist after securing a referral. Such long delays for treatment can put patients' health at risk, as can similarly long waits for diagnostics. In 2023, Canadians faced a median wait of around 13 weeks for an MRI, 6.6 weeks for a CT scan, and just over 5 weeks for an ultrasound.

All told, more than 1.2 million Canadians, out of a population of 38 million, were waiting for some form of treatment in 2023. If each of those patients is waiting for just one procedure, that means 3% of the Canadian population was waiting to receive medical care this year. In Nova Scotia, just over 8% of the provincial population was stuck in line.

These delays hurt more than just individual patients. Looking only at the number of work hours people lost while in line for care, the Fraser study determined that healthcare waits cost Canada just under $3,000 per person-$3.6 billion total-in 2022. Consider all the hours in a week, and medical waits cost the country $10.9 billion-just under $9,000 per patient.

Other studies have found that delays for a select number of diagnostics and treatments cost the economy about $15 billion annually.

Then there are the direct costs associated with all this waiting. The average Canadian family of four paid about $17,000 in taxes to fund the country's "free" healthcare system in 2023. Their tax dollars appear to just buy them a place in line.

Many Canadians are fed up. Less than half were satisfied with the country's healthcare system in 2023, down from nearly 70% in 2020. A growing number of politicians, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford, have begun speaking out about the problems with socialized medicine and working to help patients access private alternatives.

Democrats have made expanding Medicaid the centerpiece of their approach to health reform. Over the last decade-plus, they've had quite a bit of success, as enrollment has increased 57%.

The progressive wing of the party is still pining for Medicare for All, a complete government takeover of the health insurance system that would import Canadian-style health care to the United States. Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn.-who has mounted a primary challenge to President Biden-recently endorsed Medicare for All.

But expanding access to coverage is not the same as expanding access to care. Canadians know that truth all too well, as their government insurance card just buys them a monthslong wait for care.

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Canadian Health Care Leaves Patients Frozen In Line

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This year, Canadian patients faced a median wait of 27.7 weeks for medically necessary treatment from a specialist after being referred by a general practitioner.

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This website is incredibly important for any Canadian citizen traveling outside of Canada. It provides essential information on the necessity of purchasing trip interruption and travel health insurance, highlighting the potential premiums travelers face for medical treatment abroad. The website explains that it's crucial for outsourced insurance policies to cover pre-existing conditions, repatriation in case of death, and medical evacuation, in addition to trip interruption coverage. Travelers are encouraged to thoroughly review their policies, identifying gaps in coverage, and ensuring they understand all terms and requirements.

I chose this article because, as an event planner, I will frequently travel internationally for various events. Comprehensive coverage is crucial to ensure my safety and health throughout my journeys. This website provides valuable information on what to consider when shopping for health insurance, serving as a reminder that Canada offers limited assistance to its citizens abroad.

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Trip interruption and travel health insurance - Travel.gc.ca

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Government of Canada’s official one-stop-shop for comprehensive international travel information.

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I am personally very excited about the information announced on this website. The long-awaited universal dental health plan coverage for Canadian citizens is officially being introduced, starting May 2024. The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), in collaboration with Sunlife, aims to support uninsured Canadians by covering a number of essential dental services. Comprehensive services such as crowns and partial dentures will require further preauthorization. Dental practitioners and service providers will be able to bill Sunlife directly, offsetting the cost regularly billed to the client. It's noted, however, that provider participation is not mandatory, and eligibility is based on tax statuses.

The reason I chose this article is because, like many Canadians, I welcome this news. As a major proponent of universal dental coverage, I am happy to see the government making plans to move forward on this front. Dental care is directly linked to overall health care, and as our health care system struggles to accommodate the growing Canadian population, it's becoming imperative to provide broader care that could potentially circumvent larger issues by treating major contributors such as inadequate dental care. This article provided me with new information regarding the timeline and major insurance company co-regulating and financing the CDCP.

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February 8, 2024 | Ottawa, Ontario | Government of Canada

Regular visits to an oral health professional have proven to reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease and other serious health problems, such as cardiovascular disease and stroke. However, we know that in 2022 one in four Canadians reported avoiding visiting an oral health professional because of the cost and that a third of the people living in Canada do not have dental insurance. Access to oral health care should not be dependent on Canadians' ability to pay.

Last December, the Government of Canada launched the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), a new federal plan, administered with the support of Sun Life, which will help make oral health care more affordable for up to nine million Canadian residents who do not currently have access to dental insurance.

Today, the Government of Canada announced further details on the oral health care services that will be covered under the CDCP to prevent and treat oral health issues and disease. The majority of services covered under the CDCP will be available as of May 2024 when the first cohort of CDCP clients will begin to receive services. Some oral health care services such as crowns, initial placement of partial dentures, and general anesthesia will require preauthorization, prior evaluation from an oral health provider, which will be available beginning in the fall of 2024.

The Government is also making the 2023 CDCP established fees available via Sun Life's website to help inform providers ahead of the release of the 2024 fees. Each service covered under the plan will be compensated at 2024 CDCP fees when services start being offered in May. The CDCP will reimburse a percentage of the cost, based on established CDCP fees, which are not the same as the provincial and territorial suggested fee guides. People covered under the CDCP may have to pay an outstanding amount such as a co-payment or additional charges, which would be paid directly to their oral health provider. CDCP fees will be reassessed annually to account for new evidence, inflation, and changes in costs over time.

To limit out-of-pocket costs, oral health providers participating in the CDCP will bill Sun Life directly for the eligible services provided to ensure timely reimbursement. Before receiving any oral health services, people covered under the CDCP should confirm that their provider is participating in the program and whether there may be any costs that will not be covered by the plan.

The support and participation of oral health care providers across the country are essential to the successful roll-out of the CDCP and to improving access to dental care in Canada. The Government will continue to actively engage with oral health providers so they are well informed, and supported with informational resources. Oral health providers will be able to confirm their participation in the CDCP through the Sun Life portal starting on March 11, 2024.

The CDCP is a key part of the Government of Canada's plan to making life more affordable for Canadians.

For more information, visit Canada.ca/dental.

"No one should have to choose between taking care of their teeth and paying their bills. Canadians deserve access to affordable dental care, which is essential not only for oral health, but for overall health. By helping cover some of the costs of a wide range of services the Canadian Dental Care Plan will help more Canadians get access to the oral health care they need. I want to thank oral health care associations for their continued engagement and their dedication to improving the health of Canadians, which has culminated in this announcement today. We are determined to ensure that oral health providers have the information they need to participate so they can welcome CDCP clients into their practices."

The Honourable Mark Holland
Minister of Health

"Oral health is an essential part of our overall health, and access to quality dental care should not be based on one's ability to pay. The Canadian Dental Care Plan will be larger than any other permanent government benefit program to date as it aims to improve access to dental care for up to 9 million uninsured Canadians. Today's announcement demonstrates the expansive suite of services that will be covered under the program beginning in May."

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Public Services and Procurement

"The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a major step forward in making dental care accessible and affordable for millions of Canadians without dental insurance. This is about fairness and health equity, and by covering essential services, we're ensuring that cost is no longer a barrier to oral health."

The Honourable Terry Beech
Minister of Citizens' Services

"We know first-hand how important oral health is to an individual's overall health and well-being. Regular access to an oral health care provider is critical and can help prevent long-term health implications. We look forward to administering the CDCP, working with providers and Canadians.

Dave Jones
President, Sun Life Health

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employment and social development canada

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Government of Canada announces the services covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan

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Today, the Government of Canada announced further details on the oral health care services that will be covered under the CDCP to prevent and treat oral health issues and disease.

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This website explores the funding mechanisms that drive the Canadian healthcare system. Underpinning the prevalent theme of this Padlet, the website touches on the challenges the system faces, such as overwhelmed emergency rooms and surgical backlogs. Although $46.2 billion has been allocated to provinces and territories from the federal government in 2023, it's apparent that it remains insufficient. Canada is currently on a 10-year commitment to a 5% annual increase in the health spending budget, with a $2 billion 2023 top-up and additional "bilateral agreements" totaling $25 billion.

The reason I chose this article is because it provides an in-depth layer of insight into the numbers driving our current health budget. I learned that the government is increasing our budget, albeit marginally, and found it useful to know that the government is attempting to address the issues that plague our system. Granted, these measures seem superficial and aimed at safeguarding the current paradigm as opposed to true reform.

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The 2023 boost to health care funding was a necessary step to transforming our health system. Now, governments must work together on shared priorities.

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This picture showcases an analysis chart, comparing Canadian Health Care against that of five other countries. Russia has the highest rate of privatized, for-profit, hospitals at 64%--whereas Canada has only 1%. All the other countries allow private payment for necessary care, include cost sharing, and activity-based hospital funding--a method of funding healthcare where providers are allocated funds proportionally to the amount and level of services provided.

I chose this image because if effectively showcase the stark different between public health care and private health care with the respect to fiscal autonomy.

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This image does an incredible job of showcasing the various services provided by Canadian healthcare insurance plans, including private health insurance. This comprehensive layout highlights the benefits of private healthcare and the many services included that are missing from OHIP, such as vision care, travel medical emergencies, and prescription drugs.

I chose this image to present the facts related to the counterargument against public healthcare. I believe a balance between public reform and privatization could be beneficial, as it would provide services for the uninsured while relieving the strain on the public system through privatization.

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This video encapsulates the general functionality of the Canadian Health Care System, emphasizing its foundation in universal coverage funded by taxation. It highlights the distribution through individual provincial health care insurance plans, such as OHIP (Ontario Health Care Plan). The video emphasizes that every Canadian or permanent resident has access to healthcare and essential services as an imperative and chartered right. Individuals must obtain an assigned health card, obtained through their respective province, serving as proof of their registration.

I chose this video because it serves as an excellent introduction to the workings of the Canadian healthcare system, providing fundamental insights necessary for understanding how we deliver universal care.

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Citizenship and Immigration Canada / Citoyenneté et Immigration Canada

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This video explores the dynamics of the Canadian healthcare insurance system and the potential benefits of integration with privatized healthcare systems. Although basic services such as x-rays and physician visits are covered by public healthcare, the wait times can be very long, and the distribution of services is dictated by the individual provinces. MRI usage, for example, varies from province to province. Some provinces allow clients to bypass the waitlist by paying for privatized services, whereas other provinces do not permit these services.

The reason I chose this video is because I found it very interesting to learn that 72% of all healthcare is funded by the government of Canada. However, by integrating funding sources, a balance between private and public healthcare could result in a reduction in wait times and an increase in the quality of care.

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Understanding public and private health care in Canada

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This video highlights some of the glaring issues with Canada's current public health care insurance policies and how sectors and their workers across the nation remain understaffed and underfunded, causing immense strain on an already struggling system. Hundreds rallied at Ottawa's Parliament Hill, advocating for public healthcare workers. Lana Payne, president of Unifor, representing 315,000 workers across Canada, speaks on the importance of reform in federal health care policies and stresses the need for immediate funding. The rally was organized by the Canadian Health Coalition and supported by NDP leader Jagmeet Singh.

I chose this video because it provides a firsthand account of the prevalent issues caused by insufficient government healthcare management and funding. The push for more funding will see an increase in staffing and reduction in wait times; however, many are calling for privatization given the current mismanagement of the system.

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Hundreds rally in Canada’s capital to demand fair public health-care wages and reform

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This video highlights the death of 23-year-old Mi-Jung Lee, caused by the apparent failings of the Canadian public health care system. This young woman is one of thousands in B.C. without a family doctor, struggling to find one to address her declining health. She was a mental health worker at a local Nanaimo shelter who fell ill over a short period of time and consulted with doctors at a walk-in site. This led to a misdiagnosis of an autoimmune disorder, with doctors telling her that she had an eating disorder. She died within months in a Vancouver hospital after visiting the Nanaimo ER twice.

The reason I chose this article is that it presents a strong case that without a family physician, Canadians compromise the level of health care they receive. Given how difficult it is to register for a family physician in Canada, one can only deduce that our universal system can no longer accommodate the growing population.

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Canada's health care crisis | 23-year-old dies after misdiagnosis in B.C.

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In this presentation, I will be showcasing various videos and articles that highlight and contrast the interplay between public and private healthcare in Canada. We will begin by delving into the functionality, funding, and distribution of the Canadian healthcare system. Additionally, we will discuss examples of inherent issues with the current system and potential alternatives. Lastly, we will highlight current advances in our federal policies, announcements, and comparison charts outlining the benefits of integrating privatization. I hope you enjoy!

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1. What did you learn about your topic that surprised you the most?

The thing that surprised me the most about my topic was the many shortcomings of the current Canadian public health insurance system. From firsthand experience, I felt that the system was struggling, based on personal experiences with long wait times and difficulty finding a family physician. It's bittersweet, and yet validating, knowing that the general consensus among Canadians is that reform is needed. I also wasn't aware that the federal government pays for 72% of current coverage and had spent over $42 billion last year on health care alone, which seems incredible; however, it remains insufficient. I am encouraged by the CDCP, the Canadian Dental Coverage Plan, and found it fascinating to learn that it is being sponsored by Sun Life Insurance.

2. Provide a real-life example of how this topic is relevant or interesting for you.

As previously mentioned, the reason this topic is incredibly relevant to me is that, as a Canadian citizen, I understand all too well the struggles of attempting to obtain adequate health care in our strained system. The consequences of the policies enacted by our federal government will have a direct impact on my health and the health of my child. Furthermore, as an event planner who will be traveling to numerous international sites, it's imperative to understand what is and isn't covered by our system and to further study the various third-party offerings for travelers' health insurance.

3. If you could pass on your knowledge to a family member or friend, what do you think is the most important thing to pass on?

I would stress the importance of securing a family doctor, given the example of the young 23-year-old woman who died in BC, highlighted in the provided video I posted. Comprehensive care, well-maintained reports, and thorough follow-up are imperatives for adequate health care and are all provided by a family physician. Walk-in clinics do not provide these services and, unfortunately, are more prone to misdiagnosing. I would also ask them to explore the possibility of either purchasing private health insurance or finding employment with companies that provide coverage. Lastly, I would remind them to take advantage of the new dental health care plan while it is being offered by the government's new insurance plan with Sun Life.