Premier and Minister of Health release joint statement regarding Alberta’s health-care system
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Premier Danielle Smith and Minister of Health Adriana LaGrange issued a statement Tuesday regarding reports of medical clinics charging membership fees:
“It is our expectation that physicians in Alberta follow the law, including the Canada Health Act and the Alberta Health Care Insurance Act (AHCIA). Alberta’s government remains committed to the principles of the Canada Health Act and ensuring that clinics and physicians remain compliant with the AHCIA.
“We are aware that there are physicians and clinics in Alberta that have operated for decades within the parameters of the law to provide services not covered by the provincial health care insurance plan. These services might include non-medically required surgery, nutrition and acupuncture services, medical notes and fertility treatments. The Audit and Compliance Assurance Unit of Alberta Health has evaluated instances where private clinics operate this way, charging membership fees in Alberta. Historically, all evaluations have confirmed that these clinics are operating in compliance with the act. Alberta Health also submits an annual report to Health Canada and, to date, has not identified an issue with the operation of these clinics.
“We recently became aware of a clinic advertising services that are covered by the provincial health care insurance plan and these advertisements suggest these services would be available to a membership following the payment of fees. Alberta’s government would be extremely concerned if this clinic was charging fees for services that are insured and offering accelerated access to a family physician at the expense of other patients needing to wait longer. We have directed Alberta Health to investigate this specific clinic to ensure compliance with all legislation. If any non-compliance with relevant legislation is found, we will take appropriate action.
