Alberta Hit with $13M Deduction for Private Health Charges.

Health Canada levies penalties against Alberta for allowing charges on necessary diagnostic services, while local clinics raise concerns over their compliance with the Canada Health Act.

By Steve Jeffrey

Alberta experienced a $13.78 million reduction in its health transfer payments from Health Canada earlier this year due to charges for necessary diagnostic services in private healthcare. According to the Canada Health Act, provinces permitting private healthcare providers to bill patients for essential medical services face financial penalties from the federal government.

Health Canada revealed in March 2023 that Alberta was among the provinces with the most significant deductions under the Diagnostic Services Policy. This policy scrutinizes patient charges for accessing diagnostic services like MRIs and CTs. Quebec and British Columbia saw even more considerable deductions of $41.87 million and $17.16 million, respectively.

Amid these revelations, Health Canada raises awareness of potentially non-compliant practices at the Harrison Healthcare clinic in Marda Loop. This clinic, flagged by the Alberta NDP, is suspected of offering “members-only medicine”, a scheme currently under investigation in various Alberta clinics.

Health Canada explains that Harrison Healthcare, with branches in Calgary and Vancouver, provides both insured and uninsured services. The healthcare provider partners with a private clinic for offering diagnostic services like MRIs and CTs, according to Harrison’s website. While the website states that subscribing to Harrison’s program is not a prerequisite for accessing insured services, it also reveals a faster route to medically necessary diagnostic imaging via partnerships with private providers. Health Canada indicates these arrangements are the reason behind Alberta’s health transfer deductions in March 2023. Healthcare experts note that similar issues previously arose at the Marda Loop Medical Clinic. This clinic’s move to a membership system with charges of up to $4,800 for families triggered investigations by Health Canada and Alberta Health. Experts warn that the federal government will not ignore violations of the Canada Health Act and is ready to implement funding clawbacks.

Observers argue that the ongoing situation poses logical issues around preferential access, as charging for quicker access or medically necessary care, which is publicly funded, is not permissible. Meanwhile, authorities are still gathering information on the subject, and local healthcare providers decline to comment on the matter.

As more clinics in Alberta are known to offer uninsured services outside the Canada Health Act, experts claim the situation is indicative of a broader crisis in family medicine, underlining the need for significant improvements in funding and organization. They call for an end to the “narrow, technical legal view” and urge an examination of the strains on Canada’s health-care system.

Various health professionals and policymakers argue that patients seeking alternative options due to long waits and the fee-for-service model’s pressure are revealing the cracks in Canada’s healthcare system. The increasing trend of seeking paid healthcare services elsewhere is challenging the belief that healthcare solidarity in Canada equates to everyone waiting in line together.

According to the Canadian Medical Association, while payout-of-pocket approaches have become more prevalent due to public health systems’ deterioration, they can negatively impact patients most in need of care. Improved investment, updated incentives, and healthier working environments are necessary to retain committed providers in public health systems and ensure adequate access to health services.

Lake users are reminded to have the proper safety equipment and know their limits.

By Emily Rogers

The RCMP is reminding Albertans of safety precautions when enjoying the lake this summer.

“With people spending more time outdoors and planning recreational activity at lakes and rivers, the Alberta RCMP reminds Albertans to be mindful about the risk of injury, accidents, and drownings,” an Alberta RCMP media release said.

Albertans operating a boat, canoe, watercraft, or tubing and swimming are reminded to keep water safety on top of mind.

The Chestermere RCMP and Community Peace Officers are actively patrolling the lake, ensuring lake users have the proper safety equipment and building positive relationships with everyone enjoying the lake.

“The Chestermere RCMP has conducted several boat patrols on Chestermere Lake. There have been no reported major incidents,” S/Sgt. Kathy Klassen said. “We encourage the lake users to ensure they are always practising water and boat safety.”

Albertans are reminded to never operate a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and check the weather forecast, and continue to monitor the weather conditions for the duration of the activity.

“Changing weather conditions can be extremely dangerous while on the water,” the release said.

The RCMP recommends Albertans dress for the weather, wear life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFD), or a helmet if participating in a water sport.

“Wearing a life jacket or PFD is the best defence for surviving cold-water shock and hypothermia,” the release said.

RCMP are encouraging lake users to share their itinerary and location with someone so that in case of an emergency they can be quickly located.

Boat users are reminded to ensure their boat has the mandatory boat safety equipment, extra food, water, and clothes.

Lastly, lake users are asked to know their limits and be self-aware.

“Public safety is a top priority for Alberta RCMP and water safety is a shared responsibility,” the release said.

Rainbow Falls Dental is excited to introduce their brand new state of the art Dental practice to the town of Chestermere and surrounding area. Our dynamic team will strive to ensure you are comfortable and confident with the complete oral health care you are receiving and will continue to receive.

You’ll always leave a lasting impression with a bright and confident smile. At Rainbow Falls Dental, we want to help you claim and maintain a strong healthy smile to enjoy for your entire life.

Rainbow Falls Dental is a full-service clinic providing everything from routine check-ups & cleanings for your children, to the complex cosmetic and restorative dentistry sometimes needed.

Our team understands that there is often a sense of uneasiness and anxiety associated with dental visits. We strive to put these emotions at ease by creating a positive and relaxing experience. It is very important to establish a great foundation of trust with each and every patient and take the time to accommodate to the specific needs of the individual. Our entire team is dedicate to providing you with a comfortable, pleasant, and friendly experience.

We offer dental services for families and individuals of all ages. We are Unit 214 100 Rainbow Road, Chestermere, AB. We are right beside the No Frills.

Call Rainbow Falls Dental to set up an appointment!

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