HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Brussels Post, 1964-07-02, Page 3ONTARIO
NEW HOSPITAL INSURANCE PRE IUMS
More people in Ontario receive
betterand more costly hospital care
than , ever before
On. the average day some 56,000 patients — enough people to populate
a city — are under care inhospitals of all types in Ontario. These patients
are receiving skilled treatment which has never been equalled in the
history of the province. Furthermore, the cost of medically-necessary
hospital care is no longer a problem for over 98% of Ontario's residents
who participate in their government-sponsored hospital plan . . the
plan that ended hospital-expense worries in Ontario.
BETTER CARE HIGHER COST
For many years the cost of hospital care has been going up steadily, not only in
Ontario but also in the rest of Canada and in other countries. Though costly, the
advanced scientific facilities and special skills available in hospitals are essential
in treating the sick. The quality of necessary hospital care cannot be sacrificed.
Since 1959 the average cost to the Commission for one day of patient care has
increased by approximately 50%.
WHY COSTS CONTINUE TO RISE
PRICES ARE UP
Hospitals, like everyone else, are paying more for
salaries and wages, food, drugs, equipment, sup-
plies and services.
About 70(' of every $1.00 in hospital costs is, used
to pay hospital employees. Hospitals, today, have
more and bettor-paid employees to serve more
patients and provide essential round-the-clock care.
HOSPITALS ARE USED MORE
Greater use is being made of hospitals as medical
science now provides many new, costly types of
treatment which require admission to hospital.
These procedures require more skilled staff, more
facilities, thugs and other expensive supplies.
Furthermore, there is no longer a financial barrier
to necessary care, so more people obtain the care
they need without being burdened by the cost. Also,
there are increasing numbers of elderly citizens
many of whom require prolonged treatment in
hospital.
MORE BEDS AVAILABLE
In 1947, Ontario had only 17,473 active treatment,
chronic and convalescent hospital beds; in 1958
there were 31,000. Today there arc over 40,000
such beds available to insured persons and, by
1970, it is anticipated there will be 47.000. Mdre
beds mean more patients; more cost,
In addition insured patients are entitled to care,
without charge, in provincial mental hospitals
(23,000 (-reds) and tuberculosis sanatoria, (1,825
beds):
ADDITIONAL OUT-PATIENT SERVICES
Beginning July 1st, 1964 The following services wilt be Included as out-patient benefits:
1) Hospital visits to complete treatment of fractures
which were originally treated. on an in-patient
basis. (Previously, this benefit was only for frac-
tures originally' treated on an ova-patient basis
within 24\hours of an accident.)
2) Radiotherapy hospital services for the treatment
of cancer in clinics of the Ontario Cancer Founda-
tion and. hospitals approved by the Commission
for these services.
.3) When prescribed by- a licensed physician as a
'medically-necessary course of treatment and pro-
vided by hospitals approved by the Commission.:
a). Use of physiotherapy and occupational ther-
apy facilities where available. Note: Consid.
oration is being given to approval of other ••
physipth•erapy facilities at an early elate. • A
further announcement will be made.
b) Speech therapy where available and provided •
by -qualified therapists for the treatment of an • -
organic. illness or injury: • • . •
Note: The above summary is for your convenience only. Por detailed information please refer
to the provisions of the Provincial and 'Federal Acts and Regulations respecting these matters,.
NEW PREMIUM RATES
(Standard Ward Care)
Because 0.0 continued rising costs; the Provincial Gov-,
Ormilent has announced increased premium rates for
Ontario HosPital, Insurance beginning with the regular
advance payment: to cover the benefit month of Oc-
tober, 1964. in. 1.961; 1962 and 1963 the. Provincial
Government prevented, by subsidy; a rise in. pre-
miums, In those years the Government contributed
$125.8 million to the plan from general revenues. It,„
also paid an. additional $157.8 million for the care of
patients in mental hospitals and tuberculoSis sanatoria.
Even with the higher premiums the Provincial Gov-
ernment must continue to subsidize the cost of hospital
care, and the Federal:Government's contributions to the
plan will also increase as the cost rises, (The cost of the
plan does not include the Government grants which
are paid to assist communities build their hospitals).
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Single (no eligible dependants) $3.25 monthly
Family (one or more eligible dependants) - - $6.50 monthly
ONTARIO HOSPITAL SERVICES COMMISSION
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