Quebec extends health coverage to all pregnancies

Summary#

This bill would make all women and all people who are pregnant and living in Quebec eligible for the public health insurance plan and the public prescription drug plan. It applies no matter what their immigration status is. The goal is to ensure prenatal, birth, and follow‑up care without delays or large bills.

• Treats pregnant people as Quebec residents for health coverage if they plan to stay more than 6 months after signing up and at least 2 months after the due date.
• Removes the usual waiting period for health insurance during pregnancy, so coverage starts right away.
• Starts coverage from the estimated date of conception (if already in Quebec), or from the date the person settled in Quebec.
• Extends coverage for up to 2 years after the expected due date; or for 12 weeks after a miscarriage or abortion.
• Makes these individuals eligible for the public prescription drug plan.
• Allows proof of pregnancy and intent to stay through medical notes and, if needed, a sworn statement when immigration papers are not available.

What it means for you#

• Pregnant people living in Quebec (any status)

  • You can enroll in Quebec’s public health insurance. This covers doctor visits, hospital care, tests, and delivery, like other residents.
  • You do not have to wait the usual 3 months. Coverage starts right away.
  • If you were already in Quebec when you became pregnant, coverage can start from the estimated conception date. If you arrived later, it starts from the day you settled in Quebec.
  • You will also be eligible for the public prescription drug plan.
  • You need a medical note confirming the pregnancy and due date. To show you plan to stay, you can use immigration documents if you have them, other accepted papers, or a sworn statement of intent.

• After birth or pregnancy ends

  • If you give birth in Quebec, your health and drug coverage can last up to 2 years after the expected due date.
  • If the pregnancy ends (miscarriage or abortion), coverage continues for 12 weeks after that date.
  • You must tell the health insurance agency if the pregnancy ends.

• Hospitals and clinics

  • You can register and bill the public plan for care provided to pregnant people who meet these rules, regardless of immigration status.
  • No waiting‑period rules apply during pregnancy for this group.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Ensures prenatal care and safe delivery for everyone, which can lead to healthier parents and babies.
• Prevents delays in care caused by the waiting period, reducing emergencies and complications.
• Lowers the risk of large medical bills and debt for vulnerable families.
• Simplifies administration for providers by giving a clear path to coverage.
• Two years of follow‑up coverage supports postpartum health and early child care.

Opponents' View#

• Could increase public costs by adding more people to health and drug coverage.
• May strain already busy clinics and hospitals, affecting wait times.
• Some see it as unfair to cover people who are not permanent residents.
• Critics worry it might attract more people to move to Quebec for care, even if evidence is unclear.
• Two years of postpartum coverage may be seen as longer than necessary.