• In 2006, the latest available year for data broken down by age group, health care
spending by provincial and territorial governments was highest for infants and seniors.
Canadians younger than the age of 1 cost an estimated $7,891 per person. From
youths age 1 to adults age 64, spending averaged less than $3,700 per person. There
was a pronounced increase in per capita spending in the senior age groups: $5,369 for
age group 65 to 69, $7,382 for 70 to 74, $9,987 for 75 to 79 and $17,121 for age
80 and older.
• Canada continues to rank among the world’s top 10 health spenders when
compared to other countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
Development (OECD). Among 25 countries with similar accounting systems, the U.S.
maintained its rank as the highest per capita spender on health care (US$6,714) in
2006, the latest year for which data are available. Canada ranked fifth in per capita
spending (US$3,678).
• Total health expenditure (including public and private sectors) per capita varies among
the provinces. In 2008, Alberta and Manitoba are forecast to spend more per person on
health care than any other province, at $5,730 and $5,555, respectively. Quebec and
British Columbia are forecast to have the lowest expenditure per capita at $4,653 and
$5,093, respectively.
• In 2008, hospitals made up the largest component of health care spending, accounting
for 28.0% of total health expenditures. Since 1997, drugs have accounted for the
second-largest share. In 2008, drugs accounted for 17.4% of total health expenditure,
while physicians are expected to make up the third-largest share, with 13.4%. |