Starting next year, provincial and territorial health insurance plans in Canada will cover primary care services provided by nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and midwives, as announced by Federal Health Minister Mark Holland on Friday.
Holland emphasized that regulated health professionals who are not physicians will be able to bill the government for medically necessary services that would typically be provided by a doctor, enhancing access to healthcare across the country.
In a significant move to uphold Canada’s universal healthcare principles, Health Minister Mark Holland announced a new interpretation of the Canada Health Act, set to take affect on April 1, 2026. This directive aims to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for medically necessary services, particularly those provided by nurse practitioners in private clinics. Holland emphasized that charging patients for these essential services contradicts the spirit of universal healthcare, advocating instead for nurse practitioners to bill the healthcare system similarly to physicians. The directive, communicated in a letter to provincial health ministers, reflects Holland’s deep concern over patients facing financial barriers to accessing public health services.Canadian Health minister Mark Holland has announced a new policy aimed at empowering non-physician healthcare professionals to deliver a broader range of services. This initiative is designed to alleviate the burden on primary care physicians and enhance the overall healthcare system. Holland emphasized that the expanded scope of practice for regulated health professionals, including nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and midwives, will enable them to utilize thier full range of skills and knowledge, ultimately improving access to essential healthcare services across the country.In a significant move for maternal and reproductive health, the Canadian government is set to update billing regulations to include midwives, allowing them to offer a broader range of services beyond basic prenatal and postnatal care, which are already funded across all provinces and territories. Claire Dion fletcher, Vice President of the Canadian Association of Midwives, emphasized that this change could enable midwives to provide essential services such as STI screenings, contraception, abortion care, and vaccinations, which are currently not covered under existing remuneration models.Meanwhile, Joelle Walker from the Canadian Pharmacists Association expressed hope that similar updates will enhance the scope of services pharmacists can bill to provincial health insurance plans, reflecting a growing recognition of non-physician healthcare providers in Canada’s healthcare system.in a significant move to enhance healthcare accessibility in Canada, health Minister Mark Holland has announced plans to revise the interpretation of the Canada Health Act, addressing concerns that patients are paying out-of-pocket for medically necessary treatments. This initiative follows a commitment made by former Minister Jean-Yves Duclos in March 2023,aimed at ensuring that all Canadians receive essential healthcare based on need rather than financial capability. The Canadian Doctors for Medicare organization has been actively urging the government for clarity on this matter,emphasizing that the evolution of virtual and longitudinal care models necessitates state funding to align with the original intent of the health act. Dr. Melanie Bechard, the group’s president, highlighted the importance of this clarification to maintain equitable access to healthcare services across the nation.Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos has raised concerns about the potential for patients to face out-of-pocket expenses for virtual care and telemedicine services, emphasizing the need for clarity in billing practices. During ongoing discussions with provincial and territorial governments, Minister Duclos and his colleague, Minister holland, are working towards a new health policy that ensures both in-person and virtual medical visits are covered under the Canada Health Act. Holland stated that while the current directive does not address virtual care billing, it remains a priority in their consultations, aiming to protect patients from unexpected healthcare costs.
Discussion Between Time.news Editor and Healthcare Expert
Editor: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today too discuss the recent announcement by Federal Health Minister Mark Holland regarding the coverage of primary care services by nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and midwives under provincial health insurance plans starting next year.This seems like a significant shift in Canada’s healthcare landscape. What can you tell us about the implications of this change?
Expert: Good afternoon! Yes, indeed this is a pivotal move for Canadian healthcare. by enabling nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and midwives to bill the government for medically necessary services, we’re looking at a way to alleviate the burden on primary care physicians, especially in light of the increasing pressures on our healthcare system. This change, which will take effect on April 1, 2026, not only enhances access to healthcare but also aligns with the principles of the Canada Health Act, promoting universal healthcare without out-of-pocket expenses for patients [1[1[1[1].
Editor: It certainly feels like a needed betterment due to the escalating demands on primary care. Many people have difficulty accessing timely care. How do you see nurse practitioners fitting into this landscape, particularly in light of the current healthcare provider shortages?
Expert: Nurse practitioners play a crucial role in bridging gaps in healthcare services. Their education and training allow them to handle a wide array of healthcare needs, which can definitely help relieve the pressures on physicians. By expanding their scope of practice, as we have seen in recent years, nurse practitioners can efficiently manage chronic conditions, provide acute care, and conduct thorough assessments. This not only increases patient access but also ensures that healthcare resources are utilized effectively [2[2[2[2].
Editor: alongside the expansion of the scopes of practice for nurse practitioners, what do you think about the inclusion of pharmacists and midwives as primary care providers?
Expert: Including pharmacists and midwives is a progressive approach.Pharmacists are well-trained in medication management and can play an essential role in chronic disease management, mental health support, and preventive care measures. Midwives, on the other hand, are instrumental in maternal and newborn care, providing personalized support during pregnancy and childbirth. Their inclusion in the healthcare team can significantly enhance the continuity and quality of care provided to patients [3[3[3[3].
Editor: It sounds like this change not only enhances access but also promotes a more holistic approach to healthcare. How might patients perceive this shift?
expert: Many patients may find this change positive, especially those who have faced barriers accessing care. With a broader range of providers able to address health concerns, patients can receive care in more convenient and timely manners. There’s also the potential for improved health outcomes, as they can access needed care without waiting for an appointment with a physician [1[1[1[1].
Editor: As we look to the future, what are some potential challenges that could arise from this expansion in scope?
Expert: One of the significant challenges may be ensuring adequate training and resources for these healthcare professionals so they can fully meet the needs of patients. Moreover, we need to emphasize collaboration and effective dialog between different healthcare providers to maintain a high standard of care. As we expand roles, establishing clear guidelines and support systems will be critical to ensure the integration of these services is seamless and beneficial [2[2[2[2].
editor: Thank you for your insights on this important topic. It’s clear that the upcoming changes have the potential to reshape the healthcare experience for many Canadians.
Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for healthcare in Canada, and I’m optimistic about the benefits this will bring to patients across the country.