Canada to Expand Primary Care Coverage to Nurse Practitioners and Midwives in 2026
In a landmark decision, the federal government announced that starting April 1, 2026, provincial and territorial health plans will cover primary care services provided by nurse practitioners, midwives, and pharmacists. The move, unveiled by Health Minister Mark Holland, is part of a new interpretation of the Canada Health Act designed to strengthen universal health care and alleviate pressure on the overburdened system.
Broadening Access to Universal Health Care
The updated policy allows regulated health-care professionals who are not physicians to bill the government for medically necessary services, which were previously limited to doctors. The change aims to address the growing concern over patients being forced to pay out of pocket for essential care, including at private nurse practitioner clinics.
“This interpretation aligns with the spirit of the Canada Health Act,” said Holland. “Charging patients for public health care is inconsistent with universal access, and this directive ensures that nurse practitioners can bill the health-care system just as physicians do.”
The directive, sent to provincial and territorial health ministers in an interpretation letter, emphasizes the need for all Canadians to access necessary medical services without financial barriers.
Empowering Non-Physician Health Professionals
The policy will empower health-care professionals such as nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and midwives to provide the full spectrum of care they are trained to deliver. Holland noted that expanding their scope of practice will enhance primary care access and reduce the burden on physicians and the health-care system.
“Nurse practitioners, in particular, play a crucial role in addressing the primary care gap,” he stated.
Michelle Acorn, CEO of the Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario, called the announcement a “significant win” after years of advocacy. She noted that many nurse practitioners had reluctantly charged patients because they could not bill the government for their services.
“This change ensures timely, accessible health care and leaves no one behind,” Acorn said.
Implementation and Impact
The federal government will enforce these changes through health transfer payments, which may be reduced if provinces or territories fail to comply. The long lead time until implementation is intended to give provincial and territorial governments time to adjust their health insurance plans.
Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones’s office released a statement saying they are reviewing the directive and working to connect every resident with a primary care provider over the next five years.
The policy has been years in the making. Former Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos first raised the issue in 2023, pledging to revise the Canada Health Act to prevent out-of-pocket charges for necessary care.
Looking Ahead
While the new directive focuses on in-person care, Holland acknowledged that billing for virtual and telemedicine services remains a concern. He is actively discussing these areas with provincial counterparts to ensure equitable access across all care settings.
“Whether you walk into a physical doctor’s office or a virtual one, both should be covered under the Canada Health Act,” he said.
This initiative marks a critical step toward a more inclusive and sustainable health-care system in Canada, ensuring that medically necessary care is accessible to all, regardless of the provider.
Source : The Canadian Press
