Uninsured Maternity Patients in Calgary: Local Trends and Survey of Health Care Workers
Abstract
Uninsured maternity patients comprise a small but complex group of patients and include marginalized Canadians, undocumented immigrants, visitors, and non-Canadians seeking health care and/ or citizenship for their newborn. This study found a trend of uninsured deliveries in Calgary that is accounted for by non-Canadian patients. Midwives and physicians agree on provision of emergency care but not preventive care. Across medical specialties, fewer caregivers felt obliged to care for non-Canadian patients seeking citizenship for their newborn. Among physicians, 61% were aware of the Canadian Medical Protective Association’s guidelines on liability coverage for non-Canadian patients, and only 28% consistently protected themselves legally. There is large variation regarding whether physicians bill for services when the patient is uninsured. In Calgary, the study observed an increase in numbers of uninsured maternity patients. Differing ethical perspectives on the care of these patients may lead to conflict within health care teams because of differences on ethical perspectives of care among team members. Health care providers require education to understand the implications and challenges of obstetrical care of non-Canadians.
Notes
Location
Calgary, Alberta
Key recommendations
Greater education for healthcare providers regarding providing care to migrants without insurance
Key populations
Migrants without medical insurance (undocumented, international students etc.)
Key findings
There has been an increase in the number of insured maternity patients in Calgary (2013-2018); Healthcare providers have differing ethical perspectives on the provision of care to these patients; Midwives and physicians agree on provision of emergency care but not preventative care; Healthcare providers require education to understand the implications and challenges of obstetrical care of non-Canadians
Gaps identified
Healthcare providers require education to understand the implications and challenges of obstetrical care for non-Canadians
Community organizations
NA
Integration timeline
At what point during the integration process the study was conducted?
NA
Open-access – No