The federal government has unveiled plans to crack down on the surge in the number of companies offering Canadians faster access to health care at a price.
This development was conveyed by Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos who is urging the provinces to put a stop to patients being charged for medically necessary care — and warns that Ottawa will claw back federal health transfer payments if the charges continue.
In a letter sent to all provincial and territorial health ministers, Duclos said “I am very concerned with the recent increase in reports of patient charges for medically necessary services”.
“No matter where in the country Canadians live or how they receive medically necessary care, they must be able to access these services without having to pay out of pocket.”
A senior government official clarified that companies charging patients for virtual visits with a family physician are the chief targets of the federal crackdown.
Records have it that even though the Canada Health Act prohibits charging “insured persons” for medically necessary services, there has been an explosion recently in the number of companies across the country offering online doctors’ appointments and charging fees in the range of $50 to $100 per visit.
In his letter, the Health Minister said expanded access to health care using virtual platforms must remain “true to the spirit and intent of the Canada Health Act.”
Duclos averred that he will give provinces and territories a document clarifying that charges for medically necessary services are not allowed, regardless of where the patient lives.
The letter said “The complexities of modern family health, virtual and surgical care, including its provision across jurisdictions, and expanding scopes of practice of health workers, should not be used to permit these charges”.
“As our health care system evolves, it must do so while respecting the Canada Health Act.”
Reports have it that one of the biggest players charging for virtual physician care is Maple, which describes itself as “Canada’s top-rated virtual care app” and charges $69 or more for an appointment.
The company’s website says “We charge a fee for our services only when they are not covered by provincial health plans”.
“We’d love to be eligible for public coverage consistently across Canada and we’re working hard to ensure Maple is included in provincial coverage as soon as legislation allows.”
The Health Minister’s move comes at a time of growing debate over the role of the private sector in the delivery of publicly funded health care in Canada, particularly as provinces struggle with surgical backlogs and staff shortages stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
In recent weeks, the New Democrats have in Parliament repeatedly argued that the Trudeau government is allowing increasing privatization of the health system and that for-profit companies are playing a growing role in providing care.
Recall that last month, the federal government struck a deal with the provinces and territories for a 10-year boost to its annual Canada Health Transfer funding arrangement.
Duclos’ letter warns that those transfers could be reduced if patients are charged fees for medical care.
In the letter, he wrote, “Canadians pay for their health care services through their tax dollars, and should not be asked to pay again by way of patient charges when they need to access those services”.
“Where instances of patient charges for these services are present, I will pursue a reduction in federal health transfers by an equivalent amount.”
It is important to note that different provinces have different approaches to coverage of virtual medical appointments, and some of the rules have been shifting as the COVID-19 pandemic has waned.
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