Hospital Insurance & Diagnostic Act
The Hospital Insurance and Diagnostic Services Act was passed by the Canadian Parliament in 1957 and marked a major initial step in the development of the Federal role in the Canadian health insurance system.
National Health Grants
The Canadian government began supporting health care in the late 1940s, with National Health Grants, administered by the provinces, that were used mainly to build the nation's hospital infrastructure.
Individual Hospital Insurance
By the mid-1950s, Canadian lawmakers began discussing ways to cover individuals for their hospital care needs, which led to the adoption of the Hospital Insurance and Diagnostic Services Act. By 1961, all Canadian provinces were participating in the program.
Expanded Coverage
In 1968, the Canadian government began providing health insurance coverage outside the hospital setting with the implementation of the Medical Care Act. Like the previous programs, this was administered by the provinces, all of which were participating by 1972.
Reimbursement
Under the Hospital Insurance and Diagnostic Services Act, the Canadian government reimbursed the provinces for 50 percent of their total hospital insurance costs. Funding methods were changed several times in the following decades.
Current System
The provisions of the Hospital Insurance and Diagnostic Act and the Medical Care Act were unified in the Canada Health Act of 1984, which is now the governing law (as amended) for the Canadian health insurance system.
Tags: Hospital Insurance, Hospital Insurance Diagnostic, Insurance Diagnostic, Canadian government, Diagnostic Services, health insurance
