C-section coverage in Canada

rdhmama79

I mostly lurk on this board (we are TTC #2, and will hopefully VBAC). Just thought I would post this here to see what your opinions are. 

In Canada, we have universal health care coverage.  That essentially means all of your medical expenses are paid, and you do not have to pay anything out if pocket for medical care.  The government is trying to cut expenses in health care, and is considering refusing to pay for c-sections that are not medically necessary (elective CS). There has even been some talk of funding more birthing centers to help cut down the high CS rate.   I think this could be a good thing. Even if they continue to cover elective c-sections, it's at least opening a dialogue about the safety of CS vs VBAC. The Ministry of Health seems to be suggesting that the evidence indicates VBAC is preferable (cost-wise and health-wise) to CS/RCS is non -emergency situations. 

So what do you think, ladies? This will be a P&R, because I'm going to sleep, but I'll check back in the morning. 

https://www.thestar.com/iphone/news/canada/politics/article/1121399--cuts-to-ohip-services-could-include-some-planned-c-section-births

annabelle.27

I only skimmed the article, but it doesn't seem that this is a Canada-wide plan, only an Ontario plan. So elective c-sections would continue to be covered in other provinces.

I think the plan to fund birth centres is a great one. However, I don't agree with cutting funding for elective c-sections.

rbytsdy

It described "elective" as the "too posh to push" c-sections.  Would that actually include repeat c-sections?  Would women be pushed into VBACing?  There was a push to encourage VBAC in the US back in the 90s to reduce costs for insurance companies. So doctors induced a lot of patients to ensure that emergency staff was around.  But then there were a lot of uterine ruptures which made VBAC become less desirable with doctors and insurance companies. 

rdhmama79

I think it's just referring to elective RCS...  women who would be good VBAC candidates who choose to have RCS for whatever reason.  At least, that's what I gather from it. 

And yes, it's just in Ontario.  It's really sparking some some interesting (and emotionally fueled) debate around here.  My gut says they won't de-list c-sections, and will continue to pay for them like they always have.  I do, however, hope this leads to funding for more birthing centres for people who want to avoid hospital births.