Universal Health Care In Canada

Critical Thinking – Provincial Roles

Leah Anne Bannon

HCM 510 – Health Care Models Across The Globe

Colorado State University – Global Campus

Dr. Gloria Wilson

September 13, 2014

Canada is the second largest country in the world with a population of over 35 million people (Rakich, 1991). The healthcare system in Canada is provincial and territorial based that is strictly funded and controlled by the federal government. All citizens of Canada are covered with universal health insurance (Rakich, 1991). Canada’s health care systems seems to be effective, however there has been much speculation about the quality of care and services provided. In addition, there have been complaints about long waits for elective surgeries and

In addition, research showed that Canada was not providing the quality of care and services it should be for its citizens (Rovere, 2011). Canada’s main purpose in having a universal health care system is to provide Canadian citizens with free quality health care, while avoiding any financial impediments to medical services (Marmor, Hoffman, Heagy, 1975). Canada succeeded in creating a universal health care system, however Canada does not allow its citizens to purchase comprehensive private insurance. This is primarily due to the Canada Health Act (CHA), in that provincial governments are liable in losing federal funds if they allow private payment for medical services that are technically covered under public insurance plans. The Canada Health Act strictly prohibits any extra billing costs for required medical services. This can affect Canadian provinces in that they don’t have experience with other methods regarding financing medical services (Rovere,

Canadians also spend less in regards to healthcare, hospital and physician services (Rakich, 1991). In regards to Canada’s hospitals, the provincial ministries set budgets for each hospital and for the entire sector as well. This helps with controlling the organization, the volume of patients as well as new programs and advanced medical technology such as new beds or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment. If a Canadian hospital wants to expand or have new medical technology, they must seek permission from the provincial ministries (Rakich, 1991). Some issues that Canadians have been experiencing with a universal health care system are the long waits to have a surgery performed or to see a physician (Rovere, 2011). This is due to the government controlling federal funding. If Canadian provinces had some control and flexibility over there own health services, huge advancements could be made (Rovere,