The Health Care Insurance Plan is provided under the Hospital and Diagnostic Services Insurance Act, 1988. Besides insured hospital services are also provided by the Act. In this scheme, the hospital services available to the insured whether in or out patient without charge. The insured hospital services include nursing services, laboratory, radiological and other diagnostic procedures, accommodations, drugs, etc. The health services and plans are designed to cover the residents of Prince Edwand Island.
The resident must register with the Department for such insured hospital and medical services. Those who have not covered in this scheme are eligible for other services and other government programs like Workers’ Compensation or the Department of Veterans Affairs’ program. These ineligible persons may be members of the Canadian Forces, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, inmates of federal penitentiaries. In respect of foreign students, tourists, visitors to the State do not qualify as residents of the province and hence they will not be eligible for hospital and medical insurance benefits.
The health card will be issued after application is reviewed and such health cared will be sent to the resident within two weeks. The health card will be in force for five years. With respect to the renewal if will be notified by mail before six weeks of renewal. As on 31st March 2007, the numbers of residents registered for health care insurance plan are 145,047. The following services are available to the health cardholders. INSURED HOSPITAL SERVICES The insured hospital services are available to in-patient and outpatient also.
The services are nursing services, laboratory, radiological and other diagnostic procedures, accommodations and meals at a standard ward rate, formulatory drugs, biological and related preparations which were prescribed physician, operating room etc. The Cabinet also adds however new hospital services will be as and when necessary. During March 2007, seven acute care facilities added to the insurance plan. INSURED PHYSICIAN SERVICES Medical practitioners provide the insured physician services. At present the total number of practitioners are available on record are 314.
The basic health services rendered by physicians, which are covered by Health Care Insurance Plan. The services may be available at home or at hospital. The services include surgical services, obstetrical services, pre or post natal care newborn care, or any complications of pregnancy, miscarriage etc. INSURED SURGICAL DENTAL SERVICES In the Health care plan, dental services are not included, but oral maxillofacial surgeons paid through the Plan. However, surgical dental services added. Surgical dental procedure is included as basic health service but prior approval of physician.