An examination of medical clinics in Alberta that charge membership fees revealed minimal instances of patients directly paying for covered medical services, but those who pay for memberships likely receive more comprehensive care.
The audit was initiated in 2023 following concerns about a Calgary clinic transitioning to a membership model with annual fees of around $5,000 for families and $2,000 for individuals. Advertisements for these clinics promised reduced wait times and extended appointments, raising worries that the membership fees would create a health system favoring those with financial means.
Health Canada at the time highlighted that a membership system contradicted federal law safeguarding individuals from paying for essential medical care, as it implied that Albertans were essentially paying for privileged access to healthcare providers.
The audit, which examined 13 clinics, revealed that physicians in these clinics saw significantly fewer patients compared to public clinics, with members receiving more service units per visit, indicating longer and more thorough appointments than non-members.
While the report did not find evidence of physicians favoring members over non-members, it did note that four clinics exclusively provided services to members, including uninsured services like doctor’s notes and certain cosmetic procedures. The audit suggested policy reforms to better regulate clinics and address situations where patients receive both insured and uninsured services during the same visit.
The office of Primary and Preventative Health Services Minister Adriana LaGrange stated that they are reviewing the audit’s recommendations, and potential legislative changes might be considered. However, the report did not delve into the aspect of paying for preferential access to physicians, as noted by University of Calgary health law professor Lorian Hardcastle.
Health Canada expressed concerns about patients paying membership fees for preferential care and reiterated the importance of ensuring patients do not face charges for essential services. Dr. Luanne Metz from the Opposition NDP underscored the need for clearer regulations and monitoring to ensure equitable access to public healthcare.