2017 Budget in Brief: Strengthening health care

Additional funding

We are increasing health investments by $11.5 billion over the next 3 years to increase access to care, reduce wait times and enhance patient experience. It includes a new $7-billion booster shot for health care, building on the commitment made in the 2016 Budget.

OHIP+: Children and Youth Pharmacare

We will provide free prescription medications to all children and youth aged 24 and under, regardless of family income. This is to make sure no parent has to worry about being able to afford the medications their kids need.

Starting in January 2018, the new program will completely cover the cost of all medicines funded through the Ontario Drug Benefit program — with no deductible or co-payment. This will include medications to treat:

• most acute conditions
• common chronic conditions
• childhood cancers and other diseases

OHIP+: Children and Youth Pharmacare is the first program of its kind in Canada.

New hospital projects

We are supporting the construction of major new hospital projects across the province to support the delivery of services and give people faster access to care.

Shorter wait times

As communities across Ontario grow, hospitals must continue meeting increasing demands. With more support for hospitals, we're improving access to timely care. This will support shorter wait times and greater access to services for patients and their families.

Interprofessional care

Many of us rely on health care teams for timely treatment. We're enhancing primary care to make it easier to get services offered by physicians, nurses, social workers and other health care professionals.

Indigenous health care

Investing in the health and wellness of Indigenous communities is a top priority. We will be expanding programs such as midwifery services, mental health and addiction initiatives — and continuing to support long-term care homes for Indigenous health care.

Home and community care

Home and community health care means patients can stay closer to where they live and maintain their independence and lifestyle. To make this happen, we're increasing funding for home nursing, personal support and caregiving — and increasing access to physiotherapy and respite care services.

Mental health services

For those living with mental illness or addiction, early and ongoing treatment can make a big difference. We're expanding mental health and addiction initiatives such as structured psychotherapy, youth services and supportive housing.

Long-term care

Seniors are a growing part of our population and we're committed to meeting their complex health needs. We're increasing long-term care funding by $58 million for improving residential care. We're also increasing the food allowance for long-term care homes by $15 million to help provide healthier, more nutritious meals.

Maternal and child health care

Supporting health care for mothers, babies and children provides a strong foundation for the next generation. Midwifery, prenatal screening and a new infant hearing screening are just some of the programs we're expanding to continue providing care at some of the most critical stages of life.

Health innovation

We know the valuable role that innovation and technology play in our health care system. To address this changing environment, we've announced the upcoming action plan for Digital Health in Ontario.