A new survey by PolicyMe and Angus Reid Institute indicates that 56% of Canadians are delaying or skipping health appointments, primarily dental care, due to costs, even as the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) expands. Young adults and uninsured individuals are most affected, highlighting gaps in employer-provided insurance and the impact of economic instability.
More than half of Canadians skipping health care such as dental, survey suggests
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A new survey by PolicyMe and Angus Reid Institute indicates that 56% of Canadians are delaying or skipping health appointments, primarily dental care, due to costs, even as the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) expands. Young adults and uninsured individuals are most affected, highlighting gaps in employer-provided insurance and the impact of economic instability.
Trending- 1 2015: About 60% of private dental care expenditures came from private insurance.
- 2 May 9-12, 2025: PolicyMe and Angus Reid Institute conducted the online survey.
- 3 About 18 months ago (late 2023/early 2024): Verlaj Bains started experiencing dental sensitivity.
- 4 This week (early June 2025): Canadian Dental Care Plan expands to include all eligible age groups.
- 5 Tuesday, June 3, 2025: Survey results released.
- Deterioration of public health due to delayed care.
- Increased reliance on low-cost or free clinics.
- Calls for broader and more accessible healthcare coverage.
What: A survey suggests that more than half (56%) of Canadians are delaying or skipping health appointments, with dental care being the most commonly delayed service, primarily due to cost.
When: Survey released Tuesday (June 3, 2025). Survey conducted May 9-12 (2025). Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) expands this week.
Where: Canada, specifically Toronto (for Andrew Ostro and Verlaj Bains), British Columbia (highest concern for reduced employer coverage).
Why: Cost of care is the main issue, including out-of-pocket expenses, deductibles, and gaps in insurance reimbursement. Employer coverage makes up the bulk of insurance, but economic instability leads to concerns about reduced benefits. Instability early in careers and retirement gaps also leave people unprotected.
How: PolicyMe and Angus Reid Institute conducted an online survey of 1,500 adults.