Calgary clinic asks for nearly $5K a year for a 2-parent membership — and it's not the only one

Calgarian Robin Arseneault visited her doctor's office in Marda Loop recently for a routine physical. 

Along with her husband, Robert, the Arseneaults visit the neighbourhood clinic often. That's because Robert has high medical needs as someone with primary progressive MS, heart and bladder dysfunction, diabetes and kidney concerns. 

So the couple was surprised to see an email land from the Marda Loop Medical Clinic in their inbox that same week, stating that the clinic would be moving to a membership system.

The pricing under that membership, shared with CBC News by Arseneault, is listed as $4,800 per year for a two-parent family membership, which covers two adults and their dependent children.

Other memberships include a $2,400-per-year membership that covers one adult and their dependent children, and $2,200 per year for an individual adult membership.

"First off, we can't afford $4,000 a year," Arseneault said. "Secondly, I fundamentally disagree with that tiered system of health care. I can't stand the idea that if I have more money, I get more privileged care, than say, my neighbour. It's just against my beliefs."

In return for the membership, the Marda Loop Medical Clinic promises reduced wait times and extended appointment times, among other benefits. The clinic also says it will continue to provide care one day a week for non-members.

CBC News was told an administrator at the clinic wasn't available for an interview. In an email sent to the clinic's members, Dr. Sally Talbot-Jones wrote that the clinic's aim was to alleviate stress expressed by patients due to extended waiting times, the challenge of scheduling family appointments, and more.

"This decision was driven by my commitment to providing you with the level of care you deserve. I have extensively researched the most successful healthcare models around the world, and I am confident that our new program is designed to deliver excellence," Talbot-Jones wrote.

The program at the Marda Loop clinic isn't the first along these lines in Calgary. Such arrangements date back years, and they aren't all structured in the same way.

But as the Canadian and Alberta health-care systems struggle under the weight of increased pressure — whether that's rural emergency room closures, ambulance shortages, or overwhelmed hospitals — experts say arrangements like the one being offered at the Marda Loop clinic are becoming increasingly common.

Back in 2008, Alberta's health minister at the time was asked whether he had any concerns about a private clinic, the Copeman Healthcare Centre, opening up shop in downtown Calgary, charging $2,900 per year.

The clinics didn't contravene the Canada Health Act because they didn't charge patients for medically necessary services, CEO Don Copeman said at the time. 

Given that, then-Alberta Health Minister Ron Liepert said there should be little need for such clinics if Alberta made changes to its publicly funded health-care system.