The Saskatchewan Health Coalition was recently made aware that Albert Parliament Primary Health Care clinic in Regina has begun soliciting its patients to register for a new membership fee system, managed by Healtheon Canada. This attempt to undermine the principles of the Canada Health Act is deeply concerning and is part of a growing trend across Canada.
In July 2023, the Marda Loop clinic in Alberta attempted to do the same, and after much public outcry were forced to drop the fees. Health Canada, meanwhile, declared the move a violation of the Canada Health Act - and if a province does not attempt to address violations like these they are at risk of having federal health transfers clawed back until it is resolved.
According to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, this practice should not be permitted here as per the Saskatchewan Medical Insurance Act. The Saskatchewan Health Coalition is in the process of reporting this clinic and we hope that they will ensure the act is enforced.
Clinics in Canada have been attempting to introduce these fees as a way to get around the Canada Health Act, which prohibits patients being charged for insured services. This practice is a symptom of larger problems - creeping privatization and chronic underfunding of our public healthcare system. We know that:
Our provincial healthcare system, despite what Health Minister Everett Hindley says, is in a state of crisis.
Patients may be manipulated into paying these fees because of the fear of losing their family doctor - especially in a province where approximately 1 in 6 people don't have one. Patients that don't opt in may also not feel as confident that they will get the same level of care as those that do. It contributes to a two-tier system where those with more means get better care.
Healthcare providers are struggling with myriad issues and have been advocating for a number of solutions including a stronger recruitment and retention strategy, and including front line workers in planning. However, charging membership fees is NOT the answer, an opinion shared by the Canadian Medical Association as well as local physicians here in Saskatchewan.
The Saskatchewan Health Coalition calls on the Albert Parliament Primary Health Care clinic to drop these new fees, and for the provincial government to ensure primary care is properly supported and funded.
Screenshots from clinic email, and registration page managed by Healtheon Canada:
