Action Alert: Fund nurse practitioners in primary care, Premier!

Ontario did not meet the April 1, 2026, deadline to implement a publicly funded model that ensures medically necessary services provided by nurse practitioners (NP) are covered under the provincial health insurance system as ordered by the federal government. As a result, some Ontarians will continue to pay out-of-pocket for medically necessary services despite clarification that such services must be publicly insured under the new federal policy.

Join us! Call on Premier Doug Ford and Health Minister Sylvia Jones to implement a publicly funded model for NPs in primary care in Ontario without user fees.

Nearly 3.3 million Ontarians lack a regular primary care provider, limiting timely access to care and increasing pressure on emergency departments and health‑care costs. RNAO welcomes the government’s commitment to connect everyone in Ontario to a nurse practitioner or family physician by 2029, reflecting strong evidence that effective primary care improves outcomes and reduces strain on hospitals and other downstream services.

To address critical access gaps, some NPs have established fee‑for‑service clinics to deliver comprehensive care to persons who would otherwise lack primary care due to the absence of a publicly funded pathway for independent NP services. While these clinics respond to real community needs, charging patients for medically necessary services conflicts with the Canada Health Act’s commitment to universal, publicly funded care.

Saskatchewan and Newfoundland have already created publicly funded models for their NPs. RNAO is eager and ready to work with the Ontario government to get a plan in place for our province. RNAO says flexibility of models is important, but ensuring no model allows user fees is paramount. Ontarians deserve timely access to necessary care without having to pay out of pocket. NPs are a clear and effective solution.

Strong evidence demonstrates that NPs provide high‑quality, cost‑effective primary care and are essential to strengthening attachment, including expanding access for equity‑deserving and marginalized communities. Without a stable publicly funded model, NP‑led care remains under‑utilized and unevenly available, limiting the health system’s ability to fully leverage their knowledge and skills. RNAO urges the Ontario government to immediately create and implement a publicly funded model for NPs.

Sign this Action Alert now!