Overview
- The proposal would let residents pay out of pocket for preventive and diagnostic services such as MRIs, CT scans, full-body scans and blood work without a doctor’s order.
- The government says physician-ordered tests will stay fully covered and prioritized in all facilities, and patients will be reimbursed if a paid test uncovers a significant condition.
- Premier Danielle Smith and Minister Adriana LaGrange argue the changes will expand capacity, tap unused resources and improve early detection, citing approaches used in Japan, South Korea, Switzerland and Germany.
- Opponents including Friends of Medicare, the Alberta NDP and physicians warn of two-tier access, pressure on the public system from staff moving to private clinics, and limited preventive benefit from broad screening.
- Skeptics point to the reversed 2022 Dynalife lab deal, with reported taxpayer costs ranging from at least $31 million to more than $97 million, as well as recent procurement concerns highlighted in the Wyant report.