BC Health Coalition members and supporters are celebrating a victory for public health care after the B.C. Automobile Association (BCAA) announced it has scrapped its plans to offer controversial private medical access insurance to its members.
“Thousands of British Columbians took action to stand up for public health care,” said Joyce Jones, co-chair of the BC Health Coalition.
“Thousands of British Columbians recognized that two-tier for-profit insurance only benefits the wealthy few and diminishes access to health care services for the rest of us.”
In a statement, the BCAA said that they were forced to cancel the insurance program after they were flooded with calls from members who were concerned the program violated the Canadian Health Act. Many cancelled their memberships outright, or threatened to do so unless the two-tier program was removed.
“This is a testament to British Columbians’ support for the real solutions and innovations within the public system that will address important issues such as wait times.” said Jones.
“It’s time for the provincial government to use these proven public solutions to strengthen health care services in our communities.”