Health care system is a combination of network providers, institutions and insurers plus the hand of the Government. Private institutions in Canada deliver health care. In this literature, we will dwell in such country’s Health Care System (HCS). The delivery system of the country’s HSC is linked with its Health Insurance System. The health insurance system is publicly funded, i. e. it is paid by provincial and federal government, and in Canada it is MEDICARE. It is provided in each province or territory and is funded by its respective provincial government.
These provincial governments make funding to the health insurance system out of its own revenues and contributions from the federal government. In 2005, the expenditure on health insurance accounts comprise of 59 percent from respective provincial funding and about 14 percent of federal shares. However, private spending is 27 percent. Canada’s health care has large impact on the Canadian economy. At about 9. 5% of Gross Domestic product spent on health care whereas 14% in United States.
Besides, the Canadians spend $3300 per capita on health care. Canada has ten provincial and three territorial health insurance system as the Constitution Act 1867 made the provinces responsible for the health policy matters. Hence the provinces are responsible for health care. In order to regulate its health care system, each province and territory have created its own statutes. The government plans about health insurance programs and the governments will also make decisions with respect to the funding, reimbursement procedures etc.
Interestingly it can be noted the providing such funds by provinces will not attract any specific health tax on any individuals and businesses, but they can be provided out general revenues of that provinces. Maintaining health insurance is expensive and even some provinces spend the amount from 30 to 35 percent of their total budget with respect to health care. Besides, the federal government also contributes to the provinces based on Canada Health and Social Transfer (CHST). The Federal Government also gives assistance towards higher education, social assistance and other social services.
It administers all such these with respect to the standards fixed on Canada Health Act, 1984 which provides, the health insurance being carried out by a public authority on non-profit basis. The Act also provides that the insured residents are entitled to the same level of health care which should not depend upon the cost but upon the need of health service. Though the insured persons move to other territory, they are still eligible from their home province for a minimum waiting period.