For-profit clinics charge patients unlawful user fees for health services already covered by Medicare

New evidence of Canada Health Act violations, BC Court of Appeal ruling affirming government authority to audit for-profit clinics, and resolution at next week's UBCM Convention all signal need for immediate government response

New research conducted by the BC Health Coalition has revealed evidence that for-profit clinics across the province continue to openly charge patients additional fees to jump the queue for health services already covered by Medicare.

The report, entitled "Eroding Public Medicare: BC Update 2010", is an update of a groundbreaking 2008 national report that documented an explosion of private for-profit health facilities across the country that are jeopardizing the equality and fairness of our health care system.

"This latest report confirms that Health Minister Falcon must take a leadership role in protecting British Columbians from private investors who are charging unlawful user fees and billing patients for health services already covered by Medicare," said Health Coalition Co-chair Rachel Tutte.

"The need for action has also been made clear by recent court decisions," she said, referring to a BC Court of Appeal ruling that confirms the Medical Services Commission has the authority to audit for-profit clinics in BC, including Dr. Brian Day's Cambie Surgery Centre. Cambie is the largest for-profit clinic in BC and is leading a legal attack on B.C.'s Medicare laws that protect patients from being charged user fees for publicly insured, medically necessary health care.

The report also comes in advance of a resolution that is on the agenda at next week's Union of BC Municipalities Convention in Whistler, and calls for a provincial moratorium on the expansion and funding of private, for-profit surgical and diagnostic clinics.