Through Budget 2025–26 and subject to legislative approval, the Government of Yukon is proposing a 29.8 per cent funding increase – a total of $206.1 million – for insured health services. This $47.3 million increase from the previous year’s $158.8 million insured health services budget is intended to address the growing demand and rising costs in hospital services, physician care and medical travel.
This funding is in addition to the $140.7 million allocated to the Yukon Hospital Corporation in Budget 2025–26, a 21 per cent increase from the previous year’s budget, also subject to legislative approval.
Insured health services covers a range of publicly funded health services, ensuring that residents have access to necessary medical care without financial barriers. The proposed increase is primarily directed toward operational costs, demonstrating the government's commitment to improving service delivery and health outcomes across the territory.
Funding increases are designed to address the increased fiscal demands resulting from a growing population and rising service costs and will support medical travel assistance, medevac costs, physician and specialist services, prescription drug and health benefits, diagnostic and laboratory services and telehealth services, ensuring Yukoners continue to receive timely and accessible care.
The proposed budget also includes new funding to support medical travel for fertility treatments, helping Yukoners access reproductive health services not available locally.
Ensuring Yukoners have access to high-quality health care remains our top priority. This proposed investment will strengthen our health system by supporting the doctors, hospitals and health programs that provide critical services across the territory. We remain committed to improving access to care and ensuring our health services continue to meet the needs of all Yukoners.
This funding will allow us to strengthen essential health services and enhance public health programs that directly impact the wellbeing of Yukoners. With a focus on covering rising costs and expanding access, this measure will contribute to better health outcomes for all residents, particularly those in remote and rural communities.
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Insured health services in the Yukon cover physician care, hospital services, medical travel, pharmacare and other essential health benefits under the Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan.
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The Government of Yukon funds hospital and emergency care services through the Yukon Hospital Corporation, which operates Whitehorse General Hospital, Watson Lake Community Hospital and Dawson City Community Hospital.
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The proposed Insured Health Services budget for 2025–26 is subject to legislative approval.
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The budget also provides funding to support the rollout of new health care cards, improving efficiency and access to services across the territory.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
[email protected]
Nigel Allan
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-332-9576
[email protected]