Ontario plans to rein in health-care spending by changing the blueprint for funding, creating a scheme that would concentrate more spending and resources on areas that serve older populations, which may be more dependent on the health care system.
"Groups or regions in this particular province may have a higher proportion of older people who traditionally do have a requirement for more health care services," said Prof. Doug Angus, a health economist at Carleton University.
"It's strictly about equity."
Angus speculates the high percentage of seniors living in eastern Ontario could result in more health care cash for the region. However, he cautions, that is only his speculation.
He said such health allocation systems are already underway in other countries. For instance, he noted Britain has been using the model for years.
Ontario currently spends 46 cents of every dollar on health care. The government warns if changes aren't made, spending could grow to 70 cents for every dollar within 12 years.
