Federal health minister Jane Philpott wrote to Jim Reiter, telling him she would like Saskatchewan to "put an end" to private payment for medical scans.
Federal health minister Jane Philpott wrote to Jim Reiter, telling him she would like Saskatchewan to "put an end" to private payment for medical scans.
Federal health minister Jane Philpott wrote to Jim Reiter, telling him she would like Saskatchewan to "put an end" to private payment for medical scans.
Minister of Health Ministre de la Santé
Ottawa, Canada K1A 0K9.
RECEIVED
NOV 15 2016
Ps Minister of Health
NOV 02 2016
The Honourable Jim Reiter, M.L.A.
Minister of Health
Province of Saskatchewan
Room 204, Legislative Building
2405 Legislative Drive
Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 0B3
Dear Minister:
As you may know, | spoke with the former Saskatchewan Minister of Health,
the Honourable Dustin Duncan, in early March 2016 regarding the province of
Saskatchewan's MRI Facilities Licensing Act.
During this conversation | underscored my commitment to our publicly funded
health care system. The Government of Canada firmly believes that all
individuals deserve access to publicly insured health care on a timely basis.
As noted during this discussion, | have significant concerns that this legislation
Tuns counter to the fundamental principle of the Canada Health Act, that
access to care should be based on medical need, and not on the ability, or
willingness, to pay. While the “one for one” model you have enacted is unique,
it still allows wealthier patients to jump the queue, both for initial diagnostic
services, and for any follow-up care that may be required within the public
system.
| am aware that since the passage of the amendments to the MRI Facilities
Licensing Act, a number of Saskatchewan residents have paid privately to
receive an MRI scan. | understand as well that your government recently
introduced the Patient Choice Medical Imaging Act, which would allow for
private payment for CT scans. The federal government believes that all
medically necessary diagnostic services, such as CT or MRI scans, should be
covered by provincial health insurance plans whether the service is provided in
a private clinic or a hospital. As such, | would like to see the province of
Saskatchewan put an end to the current practice of encouraging private
payment for diagnostic services and focus instead on ensuring that all
residents have access to medically necessary services in a timely manner,
regardless of ability, or willingness, to pay.
Canada-2-
Under the Canada Health Act, provincial and territorial health insurance plans
must cover alll insured health services, including medically necessary hospital
and physician services. If a province or territory permits charges for medically
necessary services, including diagnostic services, they are subject to
mandatory dollar-for-dollar deductions to the Canada Health Transfer
payments. My goal is not to levy penalties, but to ensure compliance with the
principles of the Act so that Canadians have access to the health care they
need, when they need it.
1am committed to working with my provincial and territorial colleagues to
ensure that all Canadians have access to quality health care services based
on their health need. | am aware that private clinics accepting payment from
insured residents for medically necessary diagnostic services are a concern in
a number of provinces. To help ensure a consistent approach across the
country, | have asked Health Canada officials to reach out to any province or
territory currently allowing private payment for diagnostic services to discuss
the federal position on this issue.
| would be pleased to discuss this matter with you in the coming weeks.
Yours sincerely,
Sie ages
The Honourable Jane Philpott, P.C., M.P.