Medicare needs a tune-up, says CMA president

• Published in: Canadian Medical Association journal (CMAJ) Vol. 182; no. 9; p. E417
• Main Author: Collier, R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Canada Elsevier Inc 15.06.2010; CMA Impact Inc; CMA Joule Inc; CMA Impact, Inc; Canadian Medical Association
• Subjects: Canada; Changes; Doig, Anne; Executives; Health care; Health Care Reform - legislation & jurisprudence; Health Care Reform - organization & administration; Internal Medicine; Management; Medicare; National health insurance; National Health Programs - legislation & jurisprudence; National Health Programs - organization & administration; Canada; Ottawa Ontario Canada
• ISSN: 0820-3946; 1488-2329; 1488-2329
• DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.109-3261

"We defend medicare with the same fervour that we protect all our other national symbols - in fact, even more than some," [Anne Doig] said. "However, like many icons, what was once a shining symbol has become a little battered and tarnished." "We need to manage our system better," said Doig. "We need to focus on quality. And we need to adopt and adapt to new technologies." * Comprehensiveness: There is a lack of clarity in Canada about what constitutes a "medically necessary" service, said Doig. Also, seniors' drug coverage and home care account for about a quarter of public spending yet are not subject to the Canada Health Act. The inconsistency of employment-based plans for extended health benefits is also a problem, said Doig.