A local medicare advocacy group is threatening to take the Alberta government to court if the province doesn’t start disclosing extra-billing practices in the province.
Extra-billing happens when doctors charge patients for a service that’s also covered by government cash. “Strictly speaking, that contravenes the Canada Health Act,” says Friends of Medicare executive director David Eggen. His group wants Alberta to disclose extra-billing in its annual health reports to Parliament —”otherwise we might pursue legal action.”
The growth of private clinics in Calgary makes the disclosure more urgent, Eggen says. “If you are not regulating and not even monitoring, then the whole thing’s just going to spin out of control.”
Under the Canada Health Act, provinces that allow extra-billing should get less cash from the federal government, as extra-billing is considered a barrier to accessibility.
Comments: 1
Agent666 wrote:
Why doesn't Alta. Health send billing statements any more? Being able to glance at your health 'bill' and say, "hmmm--I don't recall having an abortion...and I'm a GUY!" is a good double-check for healthcare fraud. Somebody apparently used my Medicare number, at a radiologists. Organised crime groups (HAs, MS-13) have been involved in identity fraud elsewhere; they're probably into this sort of thing, as well. Also, you can see if your doctor pads the bill, for visits you didn't have.
As for 'two-tier' medicine, it's pointless to even discuss this without acknowledging the elephant in the room of supplimentary insurance. Most of the 'stop two tier medicine!', NDP types are covered by their employers' supplimentary insurance. Until the Provincial healthcare system takes over pharmaceutical and other coverage--which it SHOULD--it's pointless to even utter the words 'two-tier medicine'.
on Oct 1st, 2009 at 1:32pm Report Abuse
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