Ottawa warns provinces not to charge fees for medically necessary services
Global News
The federal government is calling on provinces to ensure patients are not charged for medically necessary services, such as MRIs and CT scans.
The federal health minister is warning provinces not to charge Canadians fees for “medically necessary” care, including telemedicine and some private services, in a new letter released Friday.
“There has been evidence of residents paying out of pocket to access diagnostic services such as ultrasounds, MRI and CT scans — services that should be accessible at no cost,” said Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos in a statement.
“This is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.”
He also noted in the letter that he is “very concerned” about increasing reports of patients being charged for “medically necessary” services and that whether these are delivered virtually or in person, they must be available free of charge.
Duclos says he plans to clarify the expectation in an interpretation letter attached to the Canada Health Act, which lays out the standards of care Canadians must be able to receive under the public health care system, no matter where they live.
He will also be deducting a total of $82 million in Canada Health Transfers from the provinces over “patient charges levied during 2020-2021, for medically necessary services that should be accessible to patients at no cost.”
This includes over $76 million in deductions under the Diagnostic Services Policy, which says that patients should not be charged for medically necessary diagnostic services, such as MRI and CT scans.
Another $6 million will also be deducted for other insured services at private surgical clinics and for access to abortion.
"Through this historic agreement, BC residents will receive public coverage for a range of contraceptives and diabetes medications at little to no cost."
Tiny lab mice just got a mammoth-sized upgrade — genetic tweaks have given them thick, woolly fur, bringing science one step closer to reviving traits of extinct species.
Ottawa says it's moving ahead with a plan to label so-called forever chemicals as toxic and expects to begin consultations in two years on further regulating their us.
Oscar Sort has tackled waste diversion by improving recycling rates and reducing operational costs at over 30 universities in North America.
The Alberta Energy Regulator is expected to make a decision on a proposal to explore for coal in the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains by early June.
Toronto Raptors guard-forward Gradey Dick will be out for at least two weeks with bone bruises, the team announced Tuesday.
As measles cases continue to rise in Texas amid an ongoing outbreak, health officials are warning against so-called "measles parties," calling the practice dangerous.
As measles cases continue to rise in Texas amid an ongoing outbreak, health officials are warning against so-called "measles parties," calling the practice dangerous.
As measles cases continue to rise in Texas amid an ongoing outbreak, health officials are warning against so-called "measles parties," calling the practice dangerous.
Earthquakes Canada said the 4.1 magnitude quake on Monday morning was centred around 17 kilometres from Friday Harbour in Washington State.
Hot, dry weather and lack of snow has prompted the city of Lethbridge to issue a fire ban for the Old Man River valley.
After hundreds of Canadians fell ill at a Mexican resort, experts warn that contaminated food and water can lead to serious illnesses.