Health Canada says charges for medically necessary diagnostic services led to Alberta being deducted $13 million in transfer payments earlier this year.
Under the Canada Health Act, provinces that allow private health-care providers to charge patients for medically necessary services have dollars clawed back by the federal government.
According to Health Canada, Alberta was subject to a $13,781,152 deduction to its Canada Health Transfer payment in March 2023 under the Diagnostic Services Policy in relation to patient charges to access diagnostic services such as MRIs and CTs.
Two other provinces saw higher deductions under the policy in March. Quebec saw $41,867,224 deducted, while British Columbia saw
