TORONTO

— In a groundbreaking announcement, Federal Health Minister Mark Holland revealed that beginning on April 1, 2026, provincial and territorial health plans will include coverage for primary care services provided by nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and midwives. This pivotal change aims to alleviate the financial burden on patients who currently face out-of-pocket expenses for essential medical care.

Holland emphasized that regulated health-care professionals who aren’t doctors will now be able to bill the government directly for medically necessary services—something that has sparked frustration among Canadians reliant on these practitioners for their health needs. The announcement comes as part of a new interpretation of the Canada Health Act designed to enhance accessibility and fairness in the healthcare system.

"Charging patients for these essential services contradicts the very principles of universal health care," Holland stated. His intervention aims at correcting discrepancies that have emerged over the years, where patients sometimes pay out of their pockets at private nurse practitioner clinics.

Furthermore, Holland's interpretation letter, which outlines this significant directive, was sent to health ministers and made public on Friday morning. During an interview, he expressed his concern about the rising instances of patients facing bills for public health-care services—a situation he believes the new directive will rectify.

The revised policy not only allows nurse practitioners and other regulated professionals to perform their full scope of practice but also intends to relieve pressure on an overstretched primary care system. Holland highlighted the evolving roles of these healthcare providers, stating, “We need to fully utilize their competencies to increase access to needed care.”

The changes will be implemented through federal health transfer payments to provinces and territories, with penalties for those found charging patients for medically necessary treatments. The aim is to ensure that no one is deterred from seeking healthcare due to financial constraints.

This announcement also marks a progressive answer to concerns raised almost two years ago by Holland's predecessor, Jean-Yves Duclos. Duclos had pointed out the pressing need to protect Canadians from being charged out-of-pocket for necessary healthcare services. In response to these concerns, health advocacy groups, such as Canadian Doctors for Medicare, have been vocal about the necessity of publicly funded care being universally accessible.

However, while addressing current needs, Holland also hinted at future discussions regarding billing for virtual care and telemedicine—a rapidly expanding segment of healthcare where gaps in coverage still persist. “Whether you are seeing a doctor in person or online, both should be covered under the Canada Health Act,” he noted.

As Canada moves toward a healthcare model that better supports diverse healthcare providers, this shift is poised to reshape how patients receive care, reduce reliance on hospitals, and improve overall health outcomes. With the target date set for 2026, the hope is that these changes signal a significant enhancement in service delivery within Canada’s healthcare framework—one that aligns better with the growing needs of the population.

Stay tuned for further updates as this important story develops!