Several provinces introduced major cuts in health spending. In some cases, provinces cut back services or increased various forms of private payment like user fees, deductibles and co-payments. In some cases, provinces de-listed certain health services by removing them from coverage under the public health insurance system. Both women and men are affected by government cutbacks and rising health care expenditures, but women and men do not have the same financial resources to cope with these changes. Women, on average, earn less than men, have lower incomes and are more likely to live in poverty.
Women are less likely to have supplementary health insurance coverage through their paid employment.
As a result, women face greater financial barriers when health care costs are privatized. As some governments look for ways to control public spending, they are considering new forms or levels of private payment for health care. Private payment schemes limit access to those who can afford to pay, and would further disadvantage women. Send feedback to the Web Site Coordinator.