HEALTH POLICY

Health Policy and Politics in Canada

Health Policy and Politics in Canada

To: Xyz , Federal Minister.

Topic: Canadian Health Insurance System

Background

Working as a policy advisor federal government, this time, This briefing note address some of the major concerning issue that is rising within the country. In this paper, I have discuss the current health policy issue in Canada, identifying the key issue under consideration, describing the support and opposition for the measure, and making a recommendation as to how this issue should proceed.

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the individual health insurance in Canada. To do so, first we need to put bird eye view on the health insurance system of Canada.

The Canadian Health Insurance System

Canada is proud of its health care system, financed not only by the state under federal law, but each of the thirteen provinces and territories. The federal government establishes general principles for health services, and provincial and territorial governments have more detail and determine the amount of financing required level of care given residents of the province or territory. Health Canada is funded by federal and local taxes. At the provincial and federal levels regularly allocated large sums going to the strengthening of health systems and to optimize its operation. Thus, from 1999 to 2004, the Federal Government in addition to the health needs of Canada has contributed more than $ 11 billion. It is cheap and of superior quality. The Canadian health care system based on voluntary, employer-paid insurance protection. Insurance is tied to the workplace. Organization of health insurance is characterized by a very wide range of insurance programs.

Nevertheless, the vast majority of people enjoy medical insurance. Overall population as of January 1st is approximately 34 million.( CIA- World Factbook) .This insurance plan covers the following facilities

Basic ward accommodations in hospital

One eye examination every 24 months

Regular physician visits

Program of Private Medical Services

However, the situation is slowly changing. Recently enacted laws are requiring employers to include in the program of private medical services, such as childbirth, substance abuse treatment, and others. In this case, virtually all the characteristics of private medical services were not affected. Government intervention is limited to the tax regulation and the creation of legislation governing the basic principles of work: a compulsory license for a doctor, his rights and obligations.

Insurance, funded by the government is granted only to Canadian residents who receive less than the certain amount per year established by the government. In fact, Canadian's population is insured by private companies such as population, which does not include the group most at risk: the poor and the elderly - and that about 30% of the population. Meanwhile, up to 80% of health spending in Canadian accounts for older age groups.

Ambiguous Insurance Reform in Canada

With fear of losing their jobs and stay without health insurance, from a serious illness, more than 90% of Canadians need radical reform. Current health insurance system provides the introduction of compulsory elements and bounds the medical service providers to ensure health care ...