NOV 02 2016 The Honourable Jim Reiter, M.L.A. NW 1 5 2015 Minister of Health Province of "Saskatchewan Room 204, Legislative Building 2405 Legislative Drive Regina, Saskatchewan S48 0B3 4 Minister oi inseam Dear Minister: As you may know, I spoke with the former Saskatchewan Minister of Health, the Honourable Dustin Duncan, in early March 2016 regarding the province of Saskatchewan?s MRI Facilities Licensing Act. During this conversation I underscored my commitment to our publicly funded health care system. The Government of Canada firmly believes that all individuals deserve access to publicly insured health care on a timely basis. As noted during this discussion, have significant concerns that this legislation runs counter to the fundamental principle of the Canada Health Act, that access to care should be based on medical need, and not on the ability, or willingness, to pay. While the ?one for one? model you have enacted is unique, it still allows wealthier patients to jump the queue, both for initial diagnostic services, and for any follow-up care that may be required within the public system. I am aware that since the passage of the amendments to the MRI Facilities Licensing Act, a number of Saskatchewan residents have paid privately to receive an MRI scan. I understand as well that your government recently introduced the Patient Choice Medical Imaging Act, which would allow for private payment for CT scans. The federal government believes that all medically necessary diagnostic services, sUch as CT or MRI scans, should be covered by provincial health insurance plans whether the service is provided in a private clinic or a hospital. As such, I would like to see the province of Saskatchewan put an end to the current practice of encouraging private payment for diagnostic services and focus instead on ensuring that all residents have access to medically necessary services in a timely manner, regardless of ability, or willingness, to pay. Canada -2- Under the Canada Health Act, provincial and territorial health insurance plans must cover all insured health services, including medically necessary hospital and physician services. If a province or territory permits charges for medically necessary services, including diagnostic services, they are subject to mandatory dollar-for-dollar deductions to the Canada Health Transfer payments. My goal is not to levy penalties, but to ensure compliance with the principles of the Act so that Canadians have access to the health care they need, when they need it. I am committed to working with my provincial and territorial colleagues to ensure that all Canadians have access to quality health care services based on their health need. I am aware that private clinics accepting payment from insured residents for medically necessary diagnostic services are a concern in a number of provinces. To help ensure a consistent approach across the country, I have asked Health Canada officials to reach out to any prbvince or territory currently allowing private payment for diagnostic services to discuss the federal position on this issue. I would be pleased to discuss this matter with you in the coming weeks. Yours sincerely, The Honourable Jane Philpott, P.C., M.P.