The healthcare system in British Columbia is publicly funded so that all residents benefit from medical treatment and services.
In British Columbia health services are provided in cooperation with the regional health authorities, Provincial Health Services Authority, the First Nations Health Authority, and other partners. The regional health authorities, for example, are tasked with achieving performance goals, planning of services and programs, and identifying healthcare needs that must be met. The authorities are also tasked with the management and financing of services and programs. A number of agencies operate under the Provincial Health Services Authority, among which Perinatal Services BC, the BC Renal Agency, and BC Centre for Disease Control. The First Nations Health Authority is responsible for the funding and management of healthcare services in First Nations communities, including mental wellness and management and prevention of chronic diseases.
All residents are offered coverage under the Medical Services Plan, including doctor and hospital services. The list of covered services includes medical and supplementary benefits. Medical benefits for residents include oral and dental surgery, eye examinations, maternity care, and physician services. Diagnostic services are also covered when requested by an oral or dental surgeon, podiatrist, midwife, or physician. Restorative services provided by dentists are not covered, including root canals, crowns, caps, and fillings. Services that are not covered also include screening tests and preventive services, routine eye examinations, and hearing aids and eyeglasses. The list of services that are not covered includes physical therapy, massage therapy, and acupuncture and medical exams for immigration, sports and recreational activities, university enrollment, life insurance, employment, driver’s license, etc. There are also supplementary benefits for services such as non-surgical podiatry, physical therapy, massage therapy, and acupuncture. Only certain categories of residents qualify such as inmates, convention refugees, income assistance recipients, and premium assistance recipients. Residents living in long term care facilities and individuals eligible under the At Home Program also qualify.
Residents are eligible to apply provided that they have lived in British Columbia for 6 months or longer, British Columbia is their province of residence, and they are permanent residents or Canadian citizens. Dependents are also eligible, including dependent postsecondary students, children, and spouses, provided that certain conditions are met. The monthly rates are based on the adjusted net income per adult or a family of two adults. Residents either pay insurance premiums by themselves or employers cover the costs. Under the plan, patients must not pay charges and fees such as facility and tray fees, charges for equipment and instruments rentals that are used by doctors, and consumables. Consumables include things like dipsticks, chemstrips, tongue depressors, and examining gowns.
To apply for health coverage, residents must show identification documents such as work or study permit, Canadian passport, certificate of Canadian citizenship, or Canadian birth certificate. Other categories of persons are also eligible, including temporary workers, postsecondary international students, and government-assisted refugees.
Private health coverage is offered by different insurance providers in BC and helps residents pay for hospital stays, dental and vision care, massage and physiotherapy, and prescription drugs. Supplemental health insurance also covers diagnostic services, ward room stays, emergency medical care abroad, and services provided by registered therapists and specialists.
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Residents of British Columbia have access to plenty of medical and mental health resources, including healthcare services and counseling by agencies, associations, referral services, and crisis centres.
The main objective of the BC Pediatric Society is to help improve health outcomes for youth, children, and infants and their families. Parents are offered information, bilingual brochures, and advice on immunizations, youth and child mental health, learning disabilities, and friends and social relationships. Parents are offered useful resources and information on topics such as dental health, healthy weight, and the cost of prescription medications.
The centre works with people in crisis and offers community education, online distress services, suicide prevention planning, and a 24/7 phone line. People feeling distress are offered emotional support by mail and chat with trained volunteers.
The British Columbia Bereavement Helpline helps people to cope with grief and loss and offers educational programs and training. Residents have access to community events, support groups, and assistance and information. The centre offers support to families of murdered and missing indigenous girls and women, persons who have lost family members due to alcohol and opioid overdose, and those who have lost family members to homicide. Residents can join different support groups such as the traumatic loss support group, suicide grief support group, and bereavement self-care and relaxation group. The centre also offers bereavement camps for kids, seminars, education workshops, and trainings.
Other mental health and substance use resources in British Columbia include the Infant Psychiatric Clinic Agency, Boundaries Program Agency, and Complex Behavior Support Program. There are programs and services with a focus on family counseling, youth and adolescent counseling, child guidance, and abuse and victim support. Other support services fall in categories such as family and pregnancy planning, substance use, and mental health. Health condition support groups, disabilities support groups, and caregiver support groups are available.
Home care and support services are offered to residents in need of assistance, including activities such as toileting and grooming, dressing and bathing, transfers and lifts, nutrition, and mobility. Community health workers provide home care services, including rehabilitation and nursing activities. Home care services are offered based on criteria such as risk to health workers, healthcare objectives, functional and health status, and others. Patients who are eligible for subsidized home support and who experience financial problems qualify for a reduced rate. Residents are offered reduced rates provided that they are unable to meet costs such as prescribed healthcare services and medications, home heat, monthly rent or mortgage, and food. Residents applying for rate reductions are asked to provide supporting documentation such as statements from insurance companies, receipts for garbage charges, and statements or invoices for heat and hydro charges. Additional documentation to supply includes receipts or invoices for water charges, bank statements or receipts for property taxes, and tenancy agreements or bank statements for rent or mortgage payments. In addition, patients are asked to show proof of the amounts reimbursed by insurance providers, including costs for prescribed special food, medical supplies and equipment, medical transportation services, dental care, and prescription medications. Accepted documentation includes original receipts, invoices, paystubs, statements from insurance providers, and MSP premium invoices.
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