As a priority in the Canadian Budget 2023, increased healthcare spending is emphasized. According to the budget, Canada will invest an additional $200 billion on healthcare.
Despite provinces and territories being responsible for funding healthcare, they have requested additional funding from the federal government. Because the health system was already under strain because of budget cuts and labor shortages before the COVID-19 outbreak (which only exacerbated the situation).
A growing elderly population further strains Canada’s healthcare system. 861,395 Canadians aged over 85 are estimated to be living as of the 2021 census. Between 75 and 85 years of age, there are another 2.1 million people. The low unemployment rate and high demand for skilled immigrants in the healthcare industry are promising. But they also indicate that Canada’s healthcare system needs more funding.
Earlier this year, the government announced that it would spend $200 billion over ten years on healthcare in Canada. In addition to previous commitments. Through bilateral agreements, the Canada Health Transfer is tailored to the specific needs of each province and territory. As well as includes $46.2 billion in funding for the provinces and territories. An explanation of how the funds will be spent can be found in Budget 2023.
Canada to invest $200 billion in healthcare – Newcomers and Canadians’ dental care
Canadians without dental insurance were provided with a national dental plan in Budget 2023 under a deal between the Liberal administration and the NDP – (New Democratic Party). Approximately $13 billion is to be spent over five years and $4.4 billion will be spent annually to implement the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
Due to the fact that provincial healthcare programs have never covered dental treatment in Canada. It is frequently out of reach for individuals with low incomes. It is estimated that Canadians spend $378.60 per year on dental care, according to the Canadian Dental Association.
Those with a family income of less than $90,000 will be eligible to participate in the new dental care program. It will not charge co-pays for family incomes below $70,00. Although the plan is scheduled for implementation in 2023, no information regarding its start date or eligibility requirements for both temporary and permanent residents has been released.
Parents and guardians who qualify for Canada Dental Benefit already receive direct, upfront, tax-free payments to cover their children’s dental care if they are under the age of 12.
Spendings on other healthcare
Additionally, a number of other proposals were incorporated into the healthcare plan. There will be $158.4 million allocated over the course of three years for the 988 hotline for suicide prevention and mental health crisis support. Initially, this would take place on November 30, 2023.
1.5% of immigrants and 3% of Canadian-born people reported having experienced suicide thoughts in the previous year, according to the December 2022 Canada Community Health Survey. Additionally, the budget proposed reauthorizing the Sexual and Reproductive Health Fund for a three-year period for $36 million.
In order to make abortion and other sexual and reproductive health information and services more accessible to vulnerable populations, especially newcomers. This fund assists community-based organizations. Abortion is legal for all Canadian women, regardless of immigration status.
In addition, $10 million will be requested for ParticipACTION’s Let’s Get Moving Initiative. It supports national programs that encourage physical activity on a daily basis.
Canadian healthcare for permanent and temporary residents
Citizens and permanent residents of Canada enjoy free healthcare in their province of residence. The majority of ongoing medical costs are included in this category, including emergency medical care. Prescription drugs, ambulance services, and eye, and dental care are typically not covered by provincial healthcare systems.
It is possible, however, to wait up to three months after obtaining permanent residency before being eligible for a provincial health card. Canadians and permanent residents receive health cards once they have lived there long enough to qualify as residents.
Temporary residents in Canada may need to carry private health insurance due to the different provincial health care laws. So there are different eligibility requirements.
