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Some sobering thoughts on Canada's health care system

 




In a sobering convergence of health and economics, new research is presenting Canadians with a problematic paradox: while the Canadian health system is getting better at treating cancer,  the sheer volume of cases and the skyrocketing cost of treatment are threatening to overwhelm that very same system.


Reports from The Lancet and recent provincial data indicate that we are getting better at caring for cancer patients; because, when the data is standardized for age, cancer death rates in Canada actually declined by 29% between 1990 and 2023. However, while the Canadian Healthcare system has improved the life expectancy for cancer patients, Canada is seeing a trend of more cancer diagnosis due to the success of our early detection regime and our aging population. Consequently, Canada is expected to follow trends found globally and we are expecting to see more cases. 


Worldwide, by 2050, with 2023 as a baseline, there is an expectation of a 65% increase in the rate of diagnosis. In real numbers that would mean about 30.5 million people are expected to get a cancer diagnosis.


Dr. Keith Stewart of the Princess Margaret Cancer Care Network warns that the strain is already visible. Hospitals are struggling to find enough resources to provide inpatient beds for sophisticated procedures like bone marrow transplants. The flip side of that is simple: cost. Or as Ali Mokdad, professor of health metrics sciences at the University of Washington says, "cancers that are caught at a later stage can be more expensive and difficult to treat". So we either pay now or we pay more later.


These trends are bringing us to a cost crisis. As the number of patients grows, the price tag for their survival is reaching unprecedented heights. Cancer treatment is no longer just about surgery and standard radiation; it now involves "sophisticated technologies" with staggering costs. Some therapies cost $10,000 per dose; while a full course of cellular therapy can cost $500,000. Coupled with the knowledge that the average Canadian cancer patient now faces nearly $33,000 in lifetime out-of-pocket expenses and lost income of up to 7% for 5 years and one can see why there is a cost crisis. 


For all of these reasons and more, it makes sense to prevent cancer and screen for it at early moments. In that same vein, it is also easy to see why it would be helpful to have a lump sum of money to help to pay for costs that might not be paid for. 


It is true that Canadian governments are acting. Ontario recently launched the Funding Accelerated for Specific Treatments (FAST) program. However, this win will not bring large amounts of care onto the field fast enough; while the patients who do get some relief will be an additional burden on public and private drug plans. This balance will not hold; and as we have seen before, hard questions will be asked. Or put differently, as governments look toward improving in our healthcare system and increased access to necessary treatments, citizens and patients will be asked what additional burden they care, what is vital to them and how they can protect themselves against unexpected medical costs. 


With this in mind,  just as protecting your health should never depend on the balance of your bank account, ensuring that you are prepared for unforeseen events can make all the difference in your journey to health. Having a plan to pay for “out of pocket costs” like some medications, home modifications, travel and accommodation is important; because, all of these costs, small or large, all of those extra trips - either by private or public, to access modes of public transit, taxis, Ubers and/or parking - add up. These thousands of unforeseen dollars are extra in our system, but they are the cost of being healthy.


Given that the direct and indirect costs of cancer treatments are escalating, now more than ever, considering critical illness insurance may be a prudent decision for individuals seeking to safeguard themselves against the financial burden of unexpected medical expenses. Investing in such coverage can provide peace of mind and a financial safety net amid rising healthcare costs. 


Critical illness insurance is not just an option; it is a necessary investment in one's health and financial stability. For those who are interested in understanding how to navigate these costs or seeking guidance on securing critical illness insurance, please do not hesitate to reach out for support and information tailored to your needs
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