What "Value" Should We Pay For? A Path Toward Value-Based Payment in Canadian Healthcare Systems

Abstract

There is broad consensus that achieving a "value-based" healthcare system requires a shift toward "value-based payment," but less agreement on what this entails beyond moving away from fee-for-service reimbursement. Opinions diverge on the ideal end-state payment model, and the evidence base remains equivocal. We propose a framework for Canadian payers interested in pursuing value-based payment reforms that draws lessons from two widely recognized examples of paying for value in healthcare: the US Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation and Canada's own experience using health technology assessment to inform payment policy.