The New Brunswick government is ending its agreement with Medavie Health Services New Brunswick. The province will shift the N.B. Health Link primary care program directly into the public system under the Horizon Health and Vitalité health networks.

According to a report from CBC News, the move aims to improve coordination and oversight within the provincial health care system.

Why the Province is Making the Change

N.B. Health Link gives New Brunswickers on the primary care waitlist access to appointments with doctors and nurse practitioners. High demand created significant wait times for the program itself.

In the 2024 to 2025 fiscal year, only 57 percent of registered individuals accessed N.B. Health Link services. The province paid Medavie $10.3 million for the service during that period, an increase from $6.2 million the previous year.

Health Minister John Dornan stated the transition brings the waitlist under the health department. He noted this allows the government to “better understand where the needs are greatest and work hand-in-hand with our regional health authorities to attach more patients to the care they need.”

What This Means for Your Care

If you currently use N.B. Health Link, you will not see a disruption in your care. The province confirmed there is no change in process for patients waiting for a provider. You continue to have access to the same services during the transition.

The provincial government takes over the waitlist by December. The full transfer of N.B. Health Link to the regional health authorities wraps up by March.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is N.B. Health Link?
N.B. Health Link is a program that provides medical appointments with doctors and nurses for New Brunswickers who do not have a permanent primary care provider.

Will my N.B. Health Link appointments be canceled?
No. The province stated that current patients will experience no changes or disruptions to their care during the transition.

When does the transition happen?
The provincial government assumes control of the waitlist by December. The complete transfer of the program to Horizon Health and Vitalité finishes by March.

How many people are on the waitlist?
Earlier this year, Health Minister John Dornan noted the waitlist had grown to more than 127,000 people.