The COVID-19 pandemic has raised Canadians’ anxiety levels: anxiety about contracting the virus, financial hardship and isolation. But one thing Canadians don’t have to worry about is how they’ll pay for essential health care if they need it. For that, at least, all we need is our health card.
Actually, that last part is only partially true. Vital areas of health care were excluded from medicare, our universal health-care system. And for many Canadians, access to these health services has worsened since the start of the pandemic. Many have lost their jobs, and with that, essential health benefits like dental care.