Financing a Health Promotion Foundation in British Columbia

Health Promotion Switzerland (HPS) is a precedent demonstrating the success of a dedicated levy on health insurance premiums for the purposes of health promotion (HPS, Annual Report). The BC Coalition for Health Promotion supports the financing of a Health Promotion Foundation through Medical Services Plan premiums because:

• It ensures access to a dedicated, sustainable and protected source of funding for health promotion.
• It makes a statement that health promotion is an essential component of health policy and demonstrates commitment on behalf of Government and the general public to address the determinants of health.
• It is consistent with health promotion values and avoids the negative connotations that a tobacco or alcohol tax might have.
• Financing health promotion via MSP premiums is equitable, i.e., those who can afford it pay while the contributions of others are subsidized by Government.
• Successful health promotion strategies are an investment in the future since healthier citizens are less costly to the health care system.