Overview
- Confidential draft amendments dated Nov. 5 would create three physician categories, including a new flexibly participating class able to choose case by case between public and private billing.
- The draft requires doctors to provide written cost disclosures and obtain consent for privately billed care, maintains a ban on extra-billing, and gives the government power to restrict which services can be offered privately.
- A government spokeswoman said Albertans will not pay out of pocket to see a family doctor or get necessary treatment, and the health minister indicated legislation is coming soon.
- The Canadian Medical Association and health-law experts caution the proposed model could lengthen waits in the public system by prioritizing patients who can pay for faster access.
- The proposals have not been introduced in the legislature, the approach would be unique in Canada, and Health Canada says it is in talks with Alberta to understand the implications.