Ontario Health Minister Deb Matthews recently commented on a research report into long-term health, titled “Living Longer, Living Well”.

While the paper recommended a number of changes to the system, one recommendation stood out amongst the rest: creating a co-pay system Home Care for the provinces higher income seniors.

Regarding this plan; “I think we need to have a discussion about what’s fair,” said Matthews.

That quote, pointing to fairness, from someone of the like of Deb Matthews has acted like a lightning rod. (for an example of this visit the Toronto Sun article relating to this news and read one of the 200+ comments angrily directed at the Health Minister and the Liberal government.)

Even before this press conference, Ontario seniors had already been pegged for a increase in health care costs within the upcoming budget.

Via CTV News:

“A provision in the 2012 budget amended the Ontario Drug Benefit so that single seniors earning more than $100,000 will pay a deductible of $100, plus three per cent of net income over $100,000.
The deductible for senior couples with a combined income of more than $160,000 is $200, plus three per cent of their net family income over $160,000.”

It’s been clear as day for a long time: Ontario is starting to run out of ideas to fund the Health Care system. This is far from a bold statement, and certainly nothing new.

From a personal support worker perspective, Matthews did reiterate the governments plan for increased PSW hours and in-home care, although no new additional PSW initiatives were announced.

Sources: CTV News (Paola Loriggio, The Canadian Press), Toronto Sun (ANTONELLA ARTUSO ,QUEEN’S PARK BUREAU CHIEF), image via CARLOS OSORIO/TORONTO STAR